Predicted XI of Punjab Kings for Match 8 of IPL 2023

image-lg28hbytPunjab Kings (Source: iplt20.com)

Punjab Kings (PBKS) started their campaign on a winning note, defeating Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by seven runs via DLS method in the second match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.

Despite the victory, the Kings may still change their winning playing XI for the game versus Rajasthan Royals (RR), scheduled tomorrow at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati. 

Let us predict how Punjab's playing XI could look like.

Openers 

Prabhsimran Singh and Shikhar Dhawan 

Although Prabhsimran could not score big, his 12-ball 23 got the ball rolling for Punjab for what they eventually achieved. While the youngster set the tone with his cameo, skipper Shikhar Dhawan too played his role to perfection, hitting a composed 40-run knock.

Middle-order 

Bhanuka Rajapaksa 

Punjab achieved the total of 191 runs, riding on Bhanuka's fifty. The Sri Lankan not only set-up a rollicking start for his side but also allowed enough time to Dhawan to score at his own pace.

Jitesh Sharma 

Coming to bat in the 12th over, Jitesh started his show right from the word go. His quick-fire 21 runs made Punjab not lose the impetus that could have been possible after Bhanuka's dismissal.

Sikandar Raza 

Performing the dual role, Raza underperformed with the bat as she scored a 13-ball 16, however, provided his team with the crucial wicket of KKR captain Nitish Rana in the second innings.

Sam Curran 

The highest-bidded IPL player Sam Curran lived up to the expectations in the campaign-opener for PBKS. His 17-ball 26 gave the team a decent finish. Albeit the pacer proved to be a bit expensive, he still got rid of dangerous-looking Andre Russell.

Shahrukh Khan/Rishi Dhawan

Used as the finisher, Shahrukh smashed two useful boundaries in the slog overs. If Punjab bowls first, Rishi Dhawan, who came in as an Impact Player, can start in the XI.

Bowlers 

Kagiso Rabada 

Rabada missed out on the previous match as he was on an international assignment. The Kings may choose to include him in place of Nathan Ellis.

Harpreet Brar 

Though Brar did not make much of an impact against Kolkata as he bowled only a solitary over, PBKS may still want to retain him in the XI, considering the variety he brings into the attack as a left-arm spinner.

Rahul Chahar 

Being the most economical bowler of the match, Chahar was mighty effective for Punjab as he scalped Rinku Singh while conceding just 12 runs in his two overs. He is a must for the fixture versus Rajasthan.

Arshdeep Singh

On a wicket that did not offer much to the bowlers, Arshdeep kept the KKR batters on their overs. His figures read 3-13. As a leader of the pace attack, the 24-year-old has all in him to bring down RR's top-order with the new ball.

Impact Players

Shahrukh Khan/Rishi Dhawan 

Atharva Taide 

Matthew Short 

Harpreet Bhatia 

Mohit Rathee