PBKS vs KKR, Match 2 of IPL 2023: Punjab Kings Player Availability & Probable Playing XI

The Punjab Kings will be opening their IPL 2023 campaign on April 1 at their home ground, i.e., IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali against 2-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders. The Punjab Kings had a disappointing season last time around and they would be looking to give themselves a push in this season.

PBKS vs KKR Team News: Kagiso Rabada unavailable

Punjab Kings have been stuck with a huge blow ahead of their season campaign. English swashbuckling opening batter Jonny Bairstow is set to miss the entire season. Jonny broke his left leg and dislocated his ankle on September 2nd, days before the start of the final Test between England and South Africa. He is yet to fully recover from that injury and due to precautionary measures, the England Cricket Board has decided to not allow him to play in the IPL. Australia’s domestic batter Matthew Short has been named as Bairstow’s replacement.

South African speedster and Punjab Kings’ premier bowler Kagiso Rabada is set to miss at least the opening game for the team. He will be playing an ODI series against Netherlands and will join PBKS squad on April 3. Nathan Ellis will be replacing Rabada in the opening game of PBKS against KKR.

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Predicted PBKS playing 11

1. Shikhar Dhawan (C)
2. Prabhsimran Singh
3. Bhanuka Rajapaksa
4. Liam Livingstone
5. Shahrukh Khan
6. Jitesh Sharma (wk)
7. Sam Curran
8. Harpreet Brar
9. Rahul Chahar
10. Arshdeep Singh
11. Nathan Ellis

• Skipper Shikhar Dhawan along with Prabhsimran Singh is expected to open the innings.
• Bhanuka Rajapaksa will bat at no 3 followed by the likes of Liam Livingstone, Shahrukh Khan, Jitesh Sharma and Sam Curran.
• Liam Livingstone hasn’t joined the squad yet, but is expected to play the opening match of PBKS.
• In the bowling unit, the onus would be on Sam Curran, Arshdeep Singh, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar, and Harpreet Brar.

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