Predicted XI of Punjab Kings for Match 2 of IPL 2023
Punjab Kings are eyeing their first IPL title (IPLT20.com)
Punjab Kings, despite being perennial underdogs, have consistently made their presence felt with a talented roster and fervent fans. Yet, their achievements have been underwhelming, with only two playoff appearances and a final appearance in 2014.
Over the past eight seasons, the team has failed to crack the top four, despite leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of the perfect squad. In an unprecedented move, the franchise made history by shelling out INR 18.5 crore for Sam Curran in the 2023 IPL auction, making him the league's most expensive player.
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The cricketing world was stunned, and the Kings' unyielding commitment to building a winning team was palpable. As Shikhar Dhawan leads his men into battle against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 1, the Kings' thirst for success is evident.
Ahead of the high-octane clash, let’s take a look at Punjab Kings’ strongest XI for IPL 2023
1.Shikhar Dhawan
Following Mayank Agarwal's departure, Shikhar Dhawan has been appointed as the captain of Punjab Kings for the upcoming 2023 IPL season. The dynamic opener's experience and potential make him a crucial asset for the franchise's success. In the previous season, the veteran left-hander showcased his batting prowess by scoring 460 runs in 14 games, including three half-centuries.
Shikhar Dhawan will look to lead from the front in IPL 2023 (IPLT20.com)
Having played for Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, and Sunrisers Hyderabad from 2008-2021, Dhawan brings a wealth of IPL experience to the table. With his batting and captaincy, the southpaw will now strive to vindicate the franchise's decision by leading them to their maiden IPL title.
2. Matthew Short
The BBL 12 star has been a late addition to the PBKS squad for IPL 16, after Jonny Bairstow was not given the NOC to play the tournament. He has been in brilliant form in the recently concluded edition of the BBL with both the bat and the ball. PBKs will look to makes full use of Short's all-round abilities in their first match of the tournament.
3. Prabhsimran Singh
Prabhsimran Singh demonstrated remarkable confidence with the bat during the 2022-23 domestic season. The 22-year-old has the opportunity to continue his impressive form for PBKS in the 2023 edition of the IPL. Despite only featuring in a solitary game for the franchise during the previous season, Singh's recent performances have gained the trust of the PBKS management to potentially open the batting alongside the experienced Shikhar Dhawan.
Singh's spectacular batting displays during the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy were truly mesmerizing. The young wicketkeeper-batsman scored an astounding 320 runs, including four fifties, in ten matches at an incredible strike rate of 141.59. His extensive experience playing numerous games at Mohali will undoubtedly prove beneficial in utilizing the home conditions to his advantage.
4. Sikandar Raza
Punjab secured the services of Zimbabwean all-rounder, Sikandar Raza, for IPL 2023 at his base price of INR 50 lakh. The veteran cricketer played a pivotal role in Zimbabwe's T20 World Cup 2022 campaign, where he took 10 wickets and scored 219 runs. He has an average of 20.98 and a strike rate of 128.86 with the bat in T20Is, while also picking up 38 wickets at an economy rate of 7.18.
Sikandar Raza is the fourth Zimbabwean player to feature in the IPL (Twitter)
Raza's bowling variety and ability to hit big shots at the end of the innings will be a significant asset for PBKS. His performances in the T20 World Cup have gained him recognition, and PBKS will hope he can replicate that form in the IPL.
5. Shahrukh Khan
Shahrukh Khan became the talk of the town after he was purchased by Punjab for a whopping INR 9.00 crore at the 2022 mega auction. The franchise didn't hesitate to break the bank for the youngster after witnessing his match-finishing abilities in the 2021 season. Unfortunately, Shahrukh Khan could only muster 117 runs in eight games last year, with a lackluster strike rate of 108.33.
Shahrukh Khan would want to make the most of the opportunity in IPL 2023 (Twitter)
Despite his underwhelming performance with the bat, the Punjab Kings demonstrated their unwavering belief in his explosive abilities and retained him for the upcoming IPL 2023 season. During the previous season, Shahrukh demonstrated a glimpse of his confidence and skill while batting at number three against Sunrisers Hyderabad, smashing 19 runs off just 10 balls, which included two fours and a maximum. In light of this impressive display, the franchise may even consider elevating him to the top order in an attempt to take on the opponent’s bowlers.
6. Jitesh Sharma
Despite playing in the lower middle-order, Jitesh Sharma, impressed everyone with his confident batting and amassed 234 runs in 12 matches, boasting a fantastic strike rate of 163.63. His exceptional performance helped him secure a spot on the PBKS retention list for the 2023 season.
Jitesh Sharma impressed everyone with his power-hitting in IPL 2022 (IPLT20.com)
In the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Sharma continued his power-hitting form, smashing 224 runs in just 10 games at an impressive strike rate of 175.00. This could be his perfect opportunity for Sharma to showcase his skills as a top-notch wicketkeeper-batsman and earn the recognition he deserves.
7. Sam Curran
The Punjab Kings turned heads at the IPL 2023 auction with their jaw-dropping purchase of Sam Curran for an eye-watering INR 18.5 crore. This mammoth sum elevated the English all-rounder to the highest-paid player in the league, a feat that left many in shock and others in awe.
Sam Curran is set to make his second debut for Punjab (Twitter)
Unfortunately, the Englishman missed the IPL 2022 season, but he made an explosive return on the international stage, earning the 'Player of the Tournament' award in the T20 World Cup 2022. Now, with the Punjab Kings counting on him for IPL 2023, all eyes will be on Curran to see if he can live up to his astronomical price tag.
8. Harpreet Brar
The 2021 IPL saw Harpreet Brar make waves with his stunning bowling performance against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The young spinner claimed the prized wickets of Virat Kohli, Glenn Maxwell, and AB de Villiers, earning him the Player of the Match award. This remarkable display won him the trust of Punjab Kings and a whopping INR 3.80 crore at the 2022 mega auction.
Harpreet Brar will form PBKS' spin attack with Rahul Chahar (IPLT20.com)
Despite only playing five games in the last season and taking four wickets at an economy of 9.12, the left-arm spinner was retained by the franchise in November 2022 and is set to reinforce the team's spin attack alongside Rahul Chahar.
9. Rahul Chahar
Punjab Kings were quick to snap up Rahul Chahar for INR 5.25 crore at the IPL 2022 auction. Donning the PBKS jersey, the leg-spinner continued to weave his magic with wicket-taking and economical bowling, finishing with 14 wickets in 13 games at an impressive economy of 7.71.
Rahul Chahar was excellent for PBKS last year (IPLT20.com)
His excellent performance made him the second-highest wicket-taker for the team in the tournament. As the PBKS gear up for the upcoming season, they will look to Chahar to improve on his numbers and help them clinch the elusive title.
10. Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh had a fantastic 2022 as he made his debut in both T20I and ODI for the Indian team, thanks to his brilliant performances in the IPL. The pacer was retained by Punjab Kings at his base price of INR 4 crore before the mega auction last year. However, his performance in the IPL wasn't up to his usual standards, as he only took 10 wickets in 14 games with an economy rate of 7.70.
Arshdeep Singh has been brilliant with is death bowling (IPLT20.com_
But with his potential and talent, he is still an important asset for the team. Looking forward to this year's IPL, Arshdeep will be playing his fifth season for PBKS after being retained by the franchise in November 2022. Armed with his deadly swing bowling, he will aim to keep the opposition batters in control and help Punjab win their maiden IPL trophy.
11. Nathan Ellis
The Aussie bowler is a very lethal bowler. Nathan Ellis has the shown the ability to pick up crucial wickets and change the complexion of a match in the Big Bash League. In absence of KG Rabada, PBKS will hope that Ellis plays the role of the main bowler for them in the first match.
Predicted XI of PBKS vs KKR (Source: OneCricket)
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