Consistency and consistency haven’t been Punjab Kings’ strongest suits over the past few years, but this season could be different. They retained their core, their captain and their backroom staff while reinforcing a brilliant crack – in the seam bowling department – with Harshal Patel’s rope all-out in the mini-auction.
He brings a proven record to the IPL, plenty of versatility and the ability to bowl at all three phases of the innings. Along with the experienced Kagiso Rabada and the left-arm duo of Arshdeep Singh and Sam Curran, Patel makes the PBKS bowling line-up enviable.
The English trio of Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone and Curran will be vital to Punjab’s chances as a lot of batting will depend on the kind of season they have with the bat. Punjab also made big bids for Riley Rosso and Chris Oakes, but the pair will likely serve as backups. Batting, especially the middle-order, may be thin on Indian assets, but bowling, especially spin, is a department that will be dominated by home-grown talent.
It has been a decade since Punjab Kings last made it to the IPL playoffs. A lot has been cut and changed since then. Hopefully a sign and continuity and a new home ground will be the catalyst to break this continuity.
Where they end up in this cycle: 2022 – 6th, 2023 – 8th
Key additions: Harshal Patel (INR 11.75 crore), Chris Woakes (INR 4.2 crore), Rilee Rossouw (INR 8 crore)
Key minus: Shah Rukh Khan, Raj Bawa, Bhanuka Rajapakse
Punjab Kings Full Squad:
Shikhar Dhawan (C), Jitesh Sharma, Jonny Bairstow, Pravsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Matthew Short, Harpreet Bhatia, Atharva Taide, Rishi Dhawan, Sam Curran, Sikander Raja, Shivam Singh, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Ellis , Rahul Chahar, Gurnoor Brar, Bidwath Kaverappa, Harshal Patel, Chris Oakes, Ashutosh Sharma, Shashank Singh, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Tanoy Thiagarajan, Prince Chaudhary, Riley Rossou
A statistic from last year they will want to remedy
In IPL 2023, Punjab’s bowlers picked up the second fewest wickets (70) and averaged 36.07. Their combined strike-rate (23.3) and economy rate (9.30) were second to last in the season. They were disappointing both with the new ball (15 wickets) and in the middle overs (30 wickets). Punjab’s combined tally of 45 wickets in the first 15 overs of an innings is the lowest among 10 teams in 2023.
One to watch: Jitesh Sharma
The wicketkeeper-batsman made a name for himself with his hard hitting skills and ability to strike the ball from the get go. IPL 2023 was his second season in the league and saw his overall improvement in the finisher role. Jitesh has since made his India debut in the shortest format, and his first World Cup hopes rest on a fruitful IPL 2024. KL Rahul has been injury-prone, Rishabh Pant is on his way back from a fatal accident, and a good season in between could push him for the finisher-cum-keeper role in the World Cup XV.
Injury and Availability:
PBKS starts the season with their full roster, no injuries and no late additions. However, if they do make the play-offs – tentatively scheduled for the second-last week of May – the English team may not be available due to their international commitments. The knockout week of IPL 2024 starting May 22 will see Pakistan host England for four T20Is at home.
Potential XI and Potential Impact Player Strategy:
Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow, Pravsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Sam Curran/Sikander Raja, Harshal Patel, Harpreet Brar, Nathan Ellis/Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh
Depending on the toss and conditions, Rishi Dhawan and Atharva Tide could be the two frontline impact sub options.
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