Punjab Kings is one of the few IPL franchises that has failed to win a title. However, with a solid core and some new additions to the team for the IPL 2024, which starts on March 22, PBKS will attempt to break their drought in the event and pursue ultimate triumph.
Punjab’s unique selling point under Shikhar Dhawan will be their formidable batting order, which includes hard-hitting English cricketers such as Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, and Sam Curran. Although all three are unlikely to play all of the planned games, their presence will increase PBKS’ confidence when against elite clubs.
Recognizing the need to strengthen their fast bowling department, Punjab placed large bids in the IPL 2023 auction. They signed Harshal Patel for a whopping 11.75 crore INR, hoping to bolster their bowling lineup. Patel’s acquisition, along with the presence of South African great Kagiso Rabada, is likely to improve Punjab’s bowling performance and provide a strong challenge to opposition sides.
Punjab Kings Playing XI for the IPL 2024
1. Shikhar Dhawan
Dhawan, a veteran IPL player, provides steadiness and firepower to the Punjab batting order. Dhawan, with his beautiful strokeplay and fierce desire, is a proven match-winner who can lead his side to victory. As an effective opener, he offers a firm foundation, often anchoring the innings with his consistent hitting.
Dhawan’s leadership abilities and calm manner make him a respected presence in the dressing room, where he guides younger players with his extensive experience. His ability to manage pressure and provide regular performances makes him a valuable asset for the Punjab Kings in the IPL 2024.
2. Prabhasimran Singh
Prabhsimran Singh, a brilliant young wicketkeeper-batsman, brings vitality to the Punjab side with his aggressive batting style. Prabhsimran is known for his aggressive style at the crease, and he can take on opposing bowlers right away. He has a diverse set of shots and can swiftly alter the course of the game with his fast scoring.
Prabhsimran’s athleticism behind the wickets and acute cricketing intelligence make him an invaluable asset in all areas of the game. As he grows as a cricketer, his inclusion in the Punjab squad adds depth and vigor to the team’s batting order.
3. Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow, a seasoned England cricketer, adds valuable experience and variety to the Punjab side. Bairstow is well-known for his aggressive batting approach, and his strong stroke play allows him to overpower opposing bowlers.
Bairstow’s ability to play spin and speed makes him a vital asset in all circumstances, increasing the team’s chances of victory. Bairstow’s addition improves Punjab’s ambition for IPL domination in the 2024 season, given his established track record in T20 cricket.
4. Atharva Taide
Atharva Taide, a young Indian cricketer, adds promise and ability to the Punjab side. Taide, known for his exquisite stroke play and good technique, has pleased local cricket fans with his ability to anchor innings and form partnerships. As a middle-order hitter, he provides steadiness and dependability, creating a solid foundation for the team’s innings. Taide’s calm under pressure and ability to score runs in important moments make him an invaluable asset in the IPL 2024 season.
5) Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone, the dynamic English all-rounder, brings variety to the Punjab Kings’ squad with his rapid hitting and useful off-spin bowling. Livingstone is well-known for his aggressive stroke play, which allows him to destroy bowling attacks and change the course of a match on his own. Furthermore, his off-spin adds another bowling option, expanding the team’s bowling arsenal. Livingstone’s quickness and agility on the field increase his worth to the team, making him an important asset in both the batting and bowling areas.
6) Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh Sharma, the explosive wicketkeeper-batsman, adds firepower and aggressiveness to Punjab’s middle order by scoring early runs and changing the tempo of the game. Jitesh Sharma, known for his attacking stroke play and love for big smashes, brings energy to the batting order and is capable of shredding opposing bowling attacks with his aggressive attitude. His daring batting approach often puts the opposition under strain, enabling Punjab to capitalise on scoring chances and record impressive totals on the scoreboard.
Sharma’s ability to accelerate the run rate in the middle overs and provide fuel to the innings makes him an important asset in the team’s quest for success in IPL 2024, where his explosive hitting might swing matches in Punjab Kings’ favour.
7. Sikandar Raza
Sikandar Raza, a seasoned all-rounder, provides a lot of experience and flexibility to the Punjab Kings’ roster, excelling in both batting and bowling. Raza, known for his excellent technique and ability to anchor the innings, gives security to the middle order while still having the capacity to increase scoring when necessary.
His off-spin bowling gives depth to the team’s bowling assault, providing key breakthroughs at critical points in the game. Raza’s all-round qualities make him a key asset in IPL 2024, as his contributions with both bat and ball may substantially affect the Punjab Kings’ success and swing the scales in their favour.
8) Harshal Patel
Patel was the most expensive Indian purchase in the IPL 2024 auction. The Punjab paid a high price for his services, indicating the franchise’s confidence in his ability and prospective impact to the club. Harshal’s ability to confuse hitters with slower deliveries and speed changes makes him an effective T20 bowler. His slower balls, which are frequently disguised to seem like conventional deliveries, may catch batsmen off surprise, leading to wickets or limiting scoring.
Patel’s ability to change the speed of his deliveries successfully adds unpredictability to his bowling, making him difficult to face, particularly in the death overs. This expertise enables him to dictate the pace of the game and put pressure on opposing hitters. He can also contribute with the bat, including some powerful hitting at the conclusion. Patel’s excellent track record and match-winning performances are likely to boost the Punjab Kings’ chances in the 2018 IPL season.
9. Harpreet Brar
Harpreet Brar, a brilliant all-rounder, adds batting and bowling depth to the Punjab team. Brar, a left-arm spinner, can worry hitters with his excellent line and length, as well as subtle changes in flight and velocity. His deft spin bowling often puts pressure on opposing hitters, leading to critical breakthroughs in the middle overs. Furthermore, Brar’s ability to contribute with the bat later in the order strengthens the team’s batting lineup. He is known for his aggressive stroke play, which allows him to speed up the scoring pace and contribute crucial runs in the late stages of an innings.
10. Kagiso Rabada
Rabada, the South African speed phenom, is well-known for his sheer pace, accuracy, and aggressive bowling style, which repeatedly troubled hitters. As one of the world’s best fast bowlers, Rabada adds a menacing presence to the Punjab Kings’ bowling attack. Rabada’s ability to produce sharp bounce and movement off the ball makes him a big danger to opposing hitters, especially during the powerplay and death overs. His deadly yorkers and well-hidden slower balls give him a complete package in the T20 format, capable of scooping up critical wickets at any point throughout the game.
11. Arshdeep Singh
Arshdeep Singh, a promising young left-arm fast bowler, has been an outstanding performer for Punjab in previous seasons. Arshdeep, known for his deceptive speed changes and ability to extract movement off the field, contributes significantly to the team’s bowling assault. Despite his youth, Arshdeep has shown exceptional maturity and poise under duress, often producing vital breakthroughs for his team in critical moments. His ability to bowl excellent yorkers and cunning change-ups make him a lethal weapon in the death overs, suffocating opposing hitters and limiting them scoring.
Arshdeep Singh is a crucial asset for Punjab in the IPL 2024, bringing both talent and temperament to the team’s bowling lineup.
