Predicted Playing XI of Punjab Kings For Match 18 Of IPL 2023

image-lgdnhm3rPBKS lost to SRH in their last game [Source: IPLT20.com]

On Thursday, Punjab Kings will take on Gujarat Titans in the 18th match of the ongoing Indian Premier League season. The Kings, having lost their previous game, would like to register a win and get themselves back on the winning track. 

Meanwhile, as they suffered a crushing defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad, the Kings might introduce several changes to their playing XI. So, let's analyse and find out the probable combination of PBKS for this fixture. 


Openers: Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh

image-lgdnk06fShikhar Dhawan in action [Source: AP]

There shouldn't be a doubt raised over Punjab Kings' opening duo, which has been their biggest positive in the tournament this season. While Shikhar Dhawan holds the orange cap with 225 runs at a blistering strike rate of 149, Prabhsimran Singh has grabbed a million eyeballs, performing admirably in the first two games. 


Number 3: Bhanuka Rajapaksa/Matthew Short

Punjab Kings replaced their regular number three Bhanuka Rajapaksa with the BBL sensation Matthew Short in the last game, as the former had sustained a wrist injury. However, if Rajapaksa is fit, he will replace Short in the Kings' playing XI for this game. 


Middle Order: Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Shahrukh Khan, Sam Curran

As Liam Livingstone has joined the team, he is expected to feature in this game. And if he does, the swashbuckling English all-rounder will replace Sikandar Raza in PBKS playing XI. 

Meanwhile, Jitesh Sharma, Shahrukh Khan and Sam Curran will retain their places, as they have performed reasonably well in the tournament. 


Bowlers: Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada

image-lgdnmfzgArshdeep Singh in action [Source: IPLT20.com]

While Rahul Chahar and Arshdeep Singh will play with absolute certainty, the Kings might replace Nathan Ellis with ace South African pacer Kagiso Rabada, who has recently joined the team. 


Impact Player Probables

The five names that Punjab Kings might choose as their impact players will likely be Rishi Dhawan, Nathan Ellis, Atharva Taide, Sikandar Raza and Harpreet Singh Bhatia. 


Probable Playing XI of Punjab Kings

Shikhar Dhawan
Prabhsimran Singh
Bhanuka Rajapaksa/Matthew Short
Liam Livingstone
Jitesh Sharma (WK)
Shahrukh Khan
Sam Curran
Harpreet Brar
Kagiso Rabada
Rahul Chahar
Arshdeep Singh

Impact Player Probables: Rishi Dhawan, Nathan Ellis, Atharva Taide, Sikandar Raza and Harpreet Singh Bhatia.