PBKS coach Trevor Bayliss identifies this latest recruit as the "missing piece in their IPL puzzle"
Sam Curran became the most expensive player to be sold at IPL auctions throughout history (PBKS Twitter)
Punjab Kings are set to kick-start their IPL 2023 campaign as they take on Kolkata Knight Riders in Match 2 of the tournament on Saturday, April 1 in Mohali. Ahead of the high-octane clash, PBKS coach, Trevor Bayliss, has expressed his confidence that England all-rounder Sam Curran, who made history by becoming the most expensive player during the one-day IPL mini-auction in December 2022, would prove to be the missing piece for the team that lacked a finisher in the previous season.
Bayliss emphasized that the team's strategy during the auction was to acquire an all-rounder who could effectively conclude the batting innings while simultaneously contributing to the bowling line-up. Curran's impressive performance in international cricket, as well as his recent success in the T20 World Cup, has convinced Bayliss that he is the perfect fit for the team.
“Our tactic at the auction was to get an all-rounder who could bat towards the end of a batting innings but is also able to bowl. "The idea was to get an international all-rounder and we are hoping that Sam Curran will be that player for us,” Bayliss said.
The PBKS coach further disclosed that another prominent English player, Liam Livingstone, would join Punjab Kings shortly. Bayliss acknowledged that the absence of some big names, including Kagiso Rabada and Johnny Bairstow, would pose a challenge for the team. However, he expressed his optimism that the younger players would rise to the occasion and make a name for themselves.
“We have got about three guys who are unavailable from the original squad at the moment. But it is an opportunity for other players to make a name for themselves", the Australian coach concluded.
 "Jatin")
