Former India and Punjab Kings (PBKS, erstwhile Kings XI Punjab) batter Virender Sehwag has lashed out at PBKS skipper Sam Curran for being ineffective. The comments came as PBKS lost yet another game, this time against Gujarat Titans, in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) on April 21.

Curran has been given the captaincy after Shikhar Dhawan was sidelined due to injury but hasn't been able to impress with either bat or ball. Sehwag, while speaking to cricket news website Cricbuzz, not only criticised Curran but questioned his place in the side as well.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-video-phil-salts-full-stretch-dive-wins-thriller-for-kkr-against-rcb-by-one-run-713852">VIDEO | Phil Salt's full-stretch dive wins thriller for KKR against RCB by one run</a>

"If I was in the PBKS dugout, I would not even pick him in my team, neither as a batting all-rounder nor as a bowling all-rounder. I wouldn't pick him", Sehwag said.

"A player is not of any use, if he can bowl a bit and bat a bit. You either bat properly and win us the match, or you bowl and win us the game. This bits and pieces part I don't understand," he added.

As for the match, PBKS could manage only 142 runs in exact 20 overs with Curran scoring only 19-ball 20 as an opener. GT had a bit of a scare during the chase as they lost four wickets for less than 100 in 14.4 overs.&nbsp;

Rahul Tewatia then scored unbeaten 18-ball 36 to take his side home in 19.1 overs. Curran the bowler was decent during his spell, taking 1/18 in two overs.

With the loss, PBKS' chances to make it to the playoffs took a severe hit as they have now lost six of their last eight games including last four at home in Mullanpur, Mohali.

GT, on the other hand, are now in the mid-table logjam with four losses and four wins in eight games.

Former India and Punjab Kings (PBKS, erstwhile Kings XI Punjab) batter Virender Sehwag has lashed out at PBKS skipper Sam Curran for being ineffective. The comments came as PBKS lost yet another game, this time against Gujarat Titans, in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) on April 21.

Former India and Punjab Kings (PBKS, erstwhile Kings XI Punjab) batter Virender Sehwag has lashed out at PBKS skipper Sam Curran for being ineffective. The comments came as PBKS lost yet another game, this time against Gujarat Titans, in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) on April 21. Curran has been given the captaincy after Shikhar Dhawan was sidelined due to injury but hasn't been able to impress with either bat or ball. Sehwag, while speaking to cricket news website Cricbuzz, not only criticised Curran but questioned his place in the side as well. Also Read: VIDEO | Phil Salt's full-stretch dive wins thriller for KKR against RCB by one run "If I was in the PBKS dugout, I would not even pick him in my team, neither as a batting all-rounder nor as a bowling all-rounder. I wouldn't pick him", Sehwag said. "A player is not of any use, if he can bowl a bit and bat a bit. You either bat properly and win us the match, or you bowl and win us the game. This bits and pieces part I don't understand," he added. As for the match, PBKS could manage only 142 runs in exact 20 overs with Curran scoring only 19-ball 20 as an opener. GT had a bit of a scare during the chase as they lost four wickets for less than 100 in 14.4 overs. Rahul Tewatia then scored unbeaten 18-ball 36 to take his side home in 19.1 overs. Curran the bowler was decent during his spell, taking 1/18 in two overs. With the loss, PBKS' chances to make it to the playoffs took a severe hit as they have now lost six of their last eight games including last four at home in Mullanpur, Mohali. GT, on the other hand, are now in the mid-table logjam with four losses and four wins in eight games.

IPL 2024: 'Not of any use...,' Former PBKS opener lashes out on skipper Sam Curran

Match 37 of the IPL 2024 edition saw Punjab Kings (PBKS) host Gujarat Titans (GT) at the&nbsp;Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh on Sunday evening (April 21). Defending 143, Punjab put up a good fight but eventually lost by three wickets&nbsp;in the final over&nbsp;to remain in the ninth spot. Shubman Gill-led GT, meanwhile, climbed up the ladder to occupy the sixth spot with eight points. During the game, there were a lot of twists and turns as the momentum kept shifting from one side to the other before Gujarat emerged on top.

During GT's run-chase, Gill was going to be the most-prized scalp for Sam Curran-led Punjab. The right-hander got a start and was looking set to take his side home. However, Liam Livingstone removed Gill for 35 (29) and was on cloud nine. Here is the video of Gill's dismissal which led to an aggressive celebration from the Englishman.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-reece-topley-shares-his-take-on-virat-kohlis-controversial-dismissal-during-kkr-vs-rcb-clash-713782">IPL 2024: Reece Topley shares his take on Virat Kohli's controversial dismissal during KKR vs RCB clash</a>

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Captain departs &amp; Punjab Kings have their second🙌 
 
Liam Livingstone gets the set Shubman Gill for 35(29) at the halfway point! 
 
Watch the match LIVE on <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StarSportsIndia</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/JioCinema?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JioCinema</a> 💻📱<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PBKSvGT?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PBKSvGT</a> <a href="https://t.co/OebAjeTRZP">pic.twitter.com/OebAjeTRZP</a>
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Livingstone, who was introduced into the attack after the powerplays, did a fine job with the ball. He ended his full quota of overs with 4-0-19-2, also getting rid of dangerman David Miller. However, Rahul Tewatia's 18-ball 36* took Gujarat past the finish line on the first ball of the final over. From Punjab, Harshal Patel, who ended with 3-0-15-3, kept chipping in with wickets at regular intervals in the end overs. However, it wasn't enough to ensure a win for Punjab.

Earlier, Punjab only managed 142 -- with Sai Kishore chipping in with 4 for 33 -- thanks to Prabhsimran Singh's 35 and Harpreet Brar's 29. With this, Punjab have now lost six games out of eight matches played and are in the ninth spot in the points table. They will next face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Friday evening (April 26).

Match 37 of the IPL 2024 edition saw Punjab Kings (PBKS) host Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh on Sunday evening (April 21).

Match 37 of the IPL 2024 edition saw Punjab Kings (PBKS) host Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh on Sunday evening (April 21). Defending 143, Punjab put up a good fight but eventually lost by three wickets in the final over to remain in the ninth spot. Shubman Gill-led GT, meanwhile, climbed up the ladder to occupy the sixth spot with eight points. During the game, there were a lot of twists and turns as the momentum kept shifting from one side to the other before Gujarat emerged on top. During GT's run-chase, Gill was going to be the most-prized scalp for Sam Curran-led Punjab. The right-hander got a start and was looking set to take his side home. However, Liam Livingstone removed Gill for 35 (29) and was on cloud nine. Here is the video of Gill's dismissal which led to an aggressive celebration from the Englishman. Also read: IPL 2024: Reece Topley shares his take on Virat Kohli's controversial dismissal during KKR vs RCB clash Captain departs & Punjab Kings have their second🙌 Liam Livingstone gets the set Shubman Gill for 35(29) at the halfway point! Watch the match LIVE on @StarSportsIndia and @JioCinema 💻📱#TATAIPL | #PBKSvGT pic.twitter.com/OebAjeTRZP — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 21, 2024 × Livingstone, who was introduced into the attack after the powerplays, did a fine job with the ball. He ended his full quota of overs with 4-0-19-2, also getting rid of dangerman David Miller. However, Rahul Tewatia's 18-ball 36* took Gujarat past the finish line on the first ball of the final over. From Punjab, Harshal Patel, who ended with 3-0-15-3, kept chipping in with wickets at regular intervals in the end overs. However, it wasn't enough to ensure a win for Punjab. Earlier, Punjab only managed 142 -- with Sai Kishore chipping in with 4 for 33 -- thanks to Prabhsimran Singh's 35 and Harpreet Brar's 29. With this, Punjab have now lost six games out of eight matches played and are in the ninth spot in the points table. They will next face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Friday evening (April 26).

IPL 2024: Liam Livingstone goes BERSERK after dismissing Shubman Gill in PBKS vs GT tie - Watch

Match 33 of the IPL 2024 edition will see Punjab Kings (PBKS) host the Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians (MI) at the&nbsp;Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh on Thursday evening (April 18). While Punjab is coming into this game on the back of a close loss to Rajasthan Royals (RR) at home, the same is the case for MI who lost to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday (April 14).

Both the teams have had an unimpressive run so far. Both are strong on paper but have not delivered in every department. While Mumbai openers Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan have delivered so far, the rest of the batters need to stand tall whereas in the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah surely needs more support from the other end. For Punjab, Kagiso Rabada is starting to look good whereas they have a smart all-rounder in Sam Curran, who is likely to lead once again in the absence of regular captain Shikhar Dhawan, but their top-order woes need to end soon.&nbsp;

So far, Punjab's batting has been held by their lower-order batters such as Shashank Singh and&nbsp;Ashutosh Sharma at the backend. The likes of Prabhsimran Singh, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma have to do the bulk of scoring else Punjab's inconsistency will cost them another playoff berth.&nbsp;

Both sides are placed in the bottom half, with Punjab at seventh followed by Mumbai, hence, they need to revive their campaign soon.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gt-vs-dc-kevin-pietersen-backs-rishabh-pant-to-be-ready-for-t20-world-cup-by-end-of-ipl-2024-712454">GT vs DC: Kevin Pietersen backs Rishabh Pant to be 'ready for T20 World Cup' by end of IPL 2024</a>

Match preview and result prediction:&nbsp;Dew has not been a huge factor at this venue, where run-scoring hasn't been very easy but anything over, or near, 170 is being made at regular intervals. Expect a good contest as Mumbai and Punjab have a good rivalry, with the former leading the other 16-15 in terms of the&nbsp;head-to-head battle with pacers having a say in the game. Captains will fancy chasing even with no significant effect of dew yet.&nbsp;

Mumbai's experienced squad is likely to test an inconsistent Punjab. Thus, MI can fancy a win in Mullanpur on Thursday evening.

Match 33 of the IPL 2024 edition will see Punjab Kings (PBKS) host the Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh on Thursday evening (April 18).

Match 33 of the IPL 2024 edition will see Punjab Kings (PBKS) host the Hardik Pandya-led Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh on Thursday evening (April 18). While Punjab is coming into this game on the back of a close loss to Rajasthan Royals (RR) at home, the same is the case for MI who lost to Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Sunday (April 14). Both the teams have had an unimpressive run so far. Both are strong on paper but have not delivered in every department. While Mumbai openers Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan have delivered so far, the rest of the batters need to stand tall whereas in the bowling department, Jasprit Bumrah surely needs more support from the other end. For Punjab, Kagiso Rabada is starting to look good whereas they have a smart all-rounder in Sam Curran, who is likely to lead once again in the absence of regular captain Shikhar Dhawan, but their top-order woes need to end soon. So far, Punjab's batting has been held by their lower-order batters such as Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma at the backend. The likes of Prabhsimran Singh, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone and Jitesh Sharma have to do the bulk of scoring else Punjab's inconsistency will cost them another playoff berth. Both sides are placed in the bottom half, with Punjab at seventh followed by Mumbai, hence, they need to revive their campaign soon. Also read: GT vs DC: Kevin Pietersen backs Rishabh Pant to be 'ready for T20 World Cup' by end of IPL 2024 Match preview and result prediction: Dew has not been a huge factor at this venue, where run-scoring hasn't been very easy but anything over, or near, 170 is being made at regular intervals. Expect a good contest as Mumbai and Punjab have a good rivalry, with the former leading the other 16-15 in terms of the head-to-head battle with pacers having a say in the game. Captains will fancy chasing even with no significant effect of dew yet. Mumbai's experienced squad is likely to test an inconsistent Punjab. Thus, MI can fancy a win in Mullanpur on Thursday evening.

IPL 2024, Match 33: Punjab Kings vs Mumbai Indians – Match preview and result prediction

Rajasthan Royals skipper and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson effected a MS Dhoni-esque run-out in the match against Punjab Kings during the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday (April 13). Samson collected a throw from mid-wicket area at a distance from the stumps but managed to throw the ball just in time to dislodge the bails and find the batter short.

The run-out happened in the 18th over of Punjab's batting when Ashutosh Sharma guided a ball from Yuzvendra Chahal deep into the field. The batters, Liam Livingstone and Sharma, completed the first run comfortably but Livingstone turned back for the second run. He reach down the pitch a few steps before returning back.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-blow-for-pbks-as-skipper-shikhar-dhawan-out-for-seven-ten-days-with-injury-confirms-coach-bangar-711034">IPL 2024: Blow for PBKS as skipper Shikhar Dhawan out for 'seven-ten days' with injury, confirms coach Bangar</a>

By the time Livingstone turned back, Tanush Kotian had picked up the ball and fired a throw towards the striker-end. Samson, who collected the ball a few inches away from stumps, threw it on the stumps and Livingstone was found short upon review. Have a look at the video below:

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Sanju Samson (c) (wk) 🤯🔥<a href="https://t.co/Stoubf9gL4">pic.twitter.com/Stoubf9gL4</a>
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href="https://twitter.com/rajasthanroyals/status/1779177997712417180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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As for the match, PBKS eventually lost the thriller, second on the trot, as RR managed to chase the 148-run target with three wickets and one ball left. Punjab bowlers did well to make a match out of nothing but Rajasthan's West Indian duo of Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell kept their cool to take Royals home.

Hetmyer scored unbeaten 27 off 10 balls while Powell scored 11 off 5 including two fours in the penultimate over as Rajasthan shook off their only loss of the season, which came in the last match against Gujarat Titans.

Earlier, Punjab kept losing wickets at regular interval with only Jitesh Sharma (29), Livingstone (21) and Sharma (31 off 16) being able to cross the 20-run mark. All five Rajasthan bowlers managed to take wickets as PBKS posted a below-par 147/8 in 20 overs.

This was Punjab's fourth loss in five matches as they currently sit at eighth place in the 10-team points table while Royals enjoy the top spot with five wins in six games.

Rajasthan Royals skipper and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson effected a MS Dhoni-esque run-out in the match against Punjab Kings during the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday (April 13).

Rajasthan Royals skipper and wicketkeeper Sanju Samson effected a MS Dhoni-esque run-out in the match against Punjab Kings during the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Saturday (April 13). Samson collected a throw from mid-wicket area at a distance from the stumps but managed to throw the ball just in time to dislodge the bails and find the batter short. The run-out happened in the 18th over of Punjab's batting when Ashutosh Sharma guided a ball from Yuzvendra Chahal deep into the field. The batters, Liam Livingstone and Sharma, completed the first run comfortably but Livingstone turned back for the second run. He reach down the pitch a few steps before returning back. Also Read: IPL 2024: Blow for PBKS as skipper Shikhar Dhawan out for 'seven-ten days' with injury, confirms coach Bangar By the time Livingstone turned back, Tanush Kotian had picked up the ball and fired a throw towards the striker-end. Samson, who collected the ball a few inches away from stumps, threw it on the stumps and Livingstone was found short upon review. Have a look at the video below: Sanju Samson (c) (wk) 🤯🔥pic.twitter.com/Stoubf9gL4 — Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 13, 2024 × As for the match, PBKS eventually lost the thriller, second on the trot, as RR managed to chase the 148-run target with three wickets and one ball left. Punjab bowlers did well to make a match out of nothing but Rajasthan's West Indian duo of Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell kept their cool to take Royals home. Hetmyer scored unbeaten 27 off 10 balls while Powell scored 11 off 5 including two fours in the penultimate over as Rajasthan shook off their only loss of the season, which came in the last match against Gujarat Titans. Earlier, Punjab kept losing wickets at regular interval with only Jitesh Sharma (29), Livingstone (21) and Sharma (31 off 16) being able to cross the 20-run mark. All five Rajasthan bowlers managed to take wickets as PBKS posted a below-par 147/8 in 20 overs. This was Punjab's fourth loss in five matches as they currently sit at eighth place in the 10-team points table while Royals enjoy the top spot with five wins in six games.

IPL 2024: WATCH | RR's Sanju Samson does MS Dhoni-esque run-out vs Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings (PBKS) coach Sanjay Bangar has confirmed that skipper Shikhar Dhawan is out for at least seven-ten days. Sam Curran was the stand-in captain in place of Dhawan during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Rajasthan Royals on April 13. Dhawan's injury is a setback to PBKS who are already struggling with four losses in six games.

"He's having a shoulder injury, so he is likely to be out for at least a couple of days, I would say," Bangar said after the loss against RR on Saturday.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/nepal-batter-dipendra-singh-airee-hits-six-sixes-in-an-over-becomes-third-player-to-achieve-feat-in-t20is-710917">Nepal batter Dipendra Singh Airee hits six sixes in an over; becomes third player to achieve feat in T20Is</a>

"Having an experienced opener, somebody like Shikhar, who has experience of playing on such wickets, becomes extremely crucial [for the team]. We have to wait and see how he responds to the treatment. At the moment, it seems that he could be out of action for at least seven-ten days," added the head coach.

Bangar also clarified that wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, who shot to prominence last season with his batting, wasn't the designated vice-captain and it was always going to be Curran who'd lead the side.

"It wasn't the case that Jitesh was the stand-in captain. We were very clear in our mind that if at all there had to be an opening, Sam Curran will be taking over and do the job as the captain," said Bangar.

As for the match, PBKS lost another thriller, second on the trot, as RR eventually chased the 148-run target with three wickets and one ball left. Punjab bowlers did well to make a match out of nothing but Rajasthan's West Indian duo of Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell kept their cool to take Royals home.

Hetmyer scored unbeaten 27 off 10 balls while Powell scored 11 off 5 including two fours in the penultimate over as Rajasthan shook off their only loss of the season, which came in the last match against Gujarat Titans.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) coach Sanjay Bangar has confirmed that skipper Shikhar Dhawan is out for at least seven-ten days. Sam Curran was the stand-in captain in place of Dhawan during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Rajasthan Royals on April 13.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) coach Sanjay Bangar has confirmed that skipper Shikhar Dhawan is out for at least seven-ten days. Sam Curran was the stand-in captain in place of Dhawan during the Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Rajasthan Royals on April 13. Dhawan's injury is a setback to PBKS who are already struggling with four losses in six games. "He's having a shoulder injury, so he is likely to be out for at least a couple of days, I would say," Bangar said after the loss against RR on Saturday. Also Read: Nepal batter Dipendra Singh Airee hits six sixes in an over; becomes third player to achieve feat in T20Is "Having an experienced opener, somebody like Shikhar, who has experience of playing on such wickets, becomes extremely crucial [for the team]. We have to wait and see how he responds to the treatment. At the moment, it seems that he could be out of action for at least seven-ten days," added the head coach. Bangar also clarified that wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma, who shot to prominence last season with his batting, wasn't the designated vice-captain and it was always going to be Curran who'd lead the side. "It wasn't the case that Jitesh was the stand-in captain. We were very clear in our mind that if at all there had to be an opening, Sam Curran will be taking over and do the job as the captain," said Bangar. As for the match, PBKS lost another thriller, second on the trot, as RR eventually chased the 148-run target with three wickets and one ball left. Punjab bowlers did well to make a match out of nothing but Rajasthan's West Indian duo of Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell kept their cool to take Royals home. Hetmyer scored unbeaten 27 off 10 balls while Powell scored 11 off 5 including two fours in the penultimate over as Rajasthan shook off their only loss of the season, which came in the last match against Gujarat Titans.

IPL 2024: Blow for PBKS as skipper Shikhar Dhawan out for 'seven-ten days' with injury, confirms coach Bangar

Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter Rovman Powell had a cheeky response for the broadcaster after winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) match for his team against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 13. Powell and Shimron Hetmyer added 21 runs in just seven balls to take their team home in a tense chase. Powell scored 11 off just 5 including two boundaries in the penultimate over as RR chased down the 148-run target with one ball and three wickets left.

Speaking after the match on his partnership with Hetmyer, who scored unbeaten 27 off 10 balls, Powell said: "The good thing is we know each other, we are calm. All we needed to do was hit proper cricketing shots, and play along the ground. We are West Indians, we hit boundaries. In the previous games, the lower and middle order have not batted a lot of balls, and I told Hettie that there might be a day soon when they will have that opportunity. When I went out to bat, he just reminded me of that."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/ipl-2024-blow-for-pbks-as-skipper-shikhar-dhawan-out-for-seven-ten-days-with-injury-confirms-coach-bangar-711034">Blow for PBKS as skipper Shikhar Dhawan out for 'seven-ten days' with injury, confirms coach Bangar</a>

Powell also offered an updated about when RR opener Jos Buttler is going to be back and said: "I think he is maybe out for a day or two. I think he will be back, the medical team is doing a fantastic job."

As for the game, Punjab bowlers did well to make a match out of nothing but eventually lost the second consecutive thriller on the trot. They kept losing wickets at regular interval with only Jitesh Sharma (29), Livingstone (21) and Sharma (31 off 16) being able to cross the 20-run mark. All five Rajasthan bowlers managed to take wickets as PBKS posted a below-par 147/8 in 20 overs.

This was Punjab's fourth loss in five matches as they currently sit at eighth place in the 10-team points table while Royals enjoy the top spot with five wins in six games.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter Rovman Powell had a cheeky response for the broadcaster after winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) match for his team against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 13.

Rajasthan Royals (RR) batter Rovman Powell had a cheeky response for the broadcaster after winning the Indian Premier League (IPL) match for his team against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on April 13. Powell and Shimron Hetmyer added 21 runs in just seven balls to take their team home in a tense chase. Powell scored 11 off just 5 including two boundaries in the penultimate over as RR chased down the 148-run target with one ball and three wickets left. Speaking after the match on his partnership with Hetmyer, who scored unbeaten 27 off 10 balls, Powell said: "The good thing is we know each other, we are calm. All we needed to do was hit proper cricketing shots, and play along the ground. We are West Indians, we hit boundaries. In the previous games, the lower and middle order have not batted a lot of balls, and I told Hettie that there might be a day soon when they will have that opportunity. When I went out to bat, he just reminded me of that." Also Read: Blow for PBKS as skipper Shikhar Dhawan out for 'seven-ten days' with injury, confirms coach Bangar Powell also offered an updated about when RR opener Jos Buttler is going to be back and said: "I think he is maybe out for a day or two. I think he will be back, the medical team is doing a fantastic job." As for the game, Punjab bowlers did well to make a match out of nothing but eventually lost the second consecutive thriller on the trot. They kept losing wickets at regular interval with only Jitesh Sharma (29), Livingstone (21) and Sharma (31 off 16) being able to cross the 20-run mark. All five Rajasthan bowlers managed to take wickets as PBKS posted a below-par 147/8 in 20 overs. This was Punjab's fourth loss in five matches as they currently sit at eighth place in the 10-team points table while Royals enjoy the top spot with five wins in six games.

IPL 2024: RR batter Rovman Powell's CHEEKY response after winning match vs Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings (PBKS) batters Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma almost pulled another remarkable win for their team against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on April 9. Needing 183 to win, the duo added 66 runs in the 27 balls including three huge sixes in the last over. PBKS, however, lost the game by two runs in the end.

Needing 29 runs in the last over, Sharma hit first ball by Jaydev Unadkat towards deep midwicket which burst through the hands of Nitish Reddy for a six. The bowler, under pressure, bowled two wides before being hit for another six.&nbsp;

Also Watch:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-virat-kohli-wins-hearts-asks-security-to-be-lenient-with-pitch-invader-during-rr-vs-rcb-tie-watch-709777">Virat Kohli wins hearts, asks security to be lenient with pitch invader during RR vs RCB tie&nbsp;</a>

With 14 runs off the target from the first two balls, Unadkat gave away just just six runs in the next three balls and effectively won the game for SRH. Shashank, nonetheless, hit the last ball for a six to help PBKS in net run rate. Have a look at the last over below:

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A Fantastic Finish 🔥 
 
Plenty happened in this nail-biter of a finish where the two teams battled till the end🤜🤛 
 
Relive 📽️ some of the drama from the final over ft. Jaydev Unadkat, Ashutosh Sharma &amp; Shashank Singh 👌 
 
Watch the match LIVE on <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@starsportsindia</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/JioCinema?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JioCinema</a>… <a href="https://t.co/NohAD2fdnI">pic.twitter.com/NohAD2fdnI</a>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1777760565508923772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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This is not the first time Shashank and Sharma's cameo turned the tables for PBKS. In Punjab's previous match against Gujarat Titans, Sharma and Shashank had helped the team get over the line a chase of 200. The duo had added 43 runs in just 22 balls to get Punjab from 150/6 in 15.3 overs to 193/7 in 19.1 overs. PBKS had won the game by three wickets with one ball left in a stunning chase.

Currently, Punjab are sixth on the 10-team points table with two wins and three losses in five games. They had started the campaign well with a win over Delhi Capitals by four wickets. They lost their next two games, against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), respectively.

In the next two games, they have one loss and one win with Shashank and Sharma being the heroes of both matches.&nbsp;

Punjab Kings (PBKS) batters Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma almost pulled another remarkable win for their team against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on April 9.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) batters Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma almost pulled another remarkable win for their team against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) on April 9. Needing 183 to win, the duo added 66 runs in the 27 balls including three huge sixes in the last over. PBKS, however, lost the game by two runs in the end. Needing 29 runs in the last over, Sharma hit first ball by Jaydev Unadkat towards deep midwicket which burst through the hands of Nitish Reddy for a six. The bowler, under pressure, bowled two wides before being hit for another six. Also Watch: Virat Kohli wins hearts, asks security to be lenient with pitch invader during RR vs RCB tie With 14 runs off the target from the first two balls, Unadkat gave away just just six runs in the next three balls and effectively won the game for SRH. Shashank, nonetheless, hit the last ball for a six to help PBKS in net run rate. Have a look at the last over below: A Fantastic Finish 🔥 Plenty happened in this nail-biter of a finish where the two teams battled till the end🤜🤛 Relive 📽️ some of the drama from the final over ft. Jaydev Unadkat, Ashutosh Sharma & Shashank Singh 👌 Watch the match LIVE on @starsportsindia and @JioCinema… pic.twitter.com/NohAD2fdnI — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 9, 2024 × This is not the first time Shashank and Sharma's cameo turned the tables for PBKS. In Punjab's previous match against Gujarat Titans, Sharma and Shashank had helped the team get over the line a chase of 200. The duo had added 43 runs in just 22 balls to get Punjab from 150/6 in 15.3 overs to 193/7 in 19.1 overs. PBKS had won the game by three wickets with one ball left in a stunning chase. Currently, Punjab are sixth on the 10-team points table with two wins and three losses in five games. They had started the campaign well with a win over Delhi Capitals by four wickets. They lost their next two games, against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), respectively. In the next two games, they have one loss and one win with Shashank and Sharma being the heroes of both matches.

IPL 2024: WATCH | 14 runs off two balls, Shashank & Ashutosh almost take PBKS home in tense chase

Punjab Kings (PBKS) suffered an agonising two-run defeat at home against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) after surrendering the initial advantage where they had the opposition batters on the rope. Set a challenging target of 183, PBKS could not conjure up enough partnerships to finish the chase, despite the late heroics of Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma.&nbsp;

The duo did threaten to pull off a similar heist, as they did against Gujarat Titans in the previous match by scoring 26 runs off the last over but could not get over the line. Singh once again showed that PBKS invested in the right entity with his superlative power-hitting.&nbsp;

"I feel that Shashank and Ashutosh played a great knock, we restricted them to a good total, but we couldn't cash in on the first 6 overs, lost 3 wickets and that's where we fell behind and it cost us in the end," said losing captain Shikhar Dhawan in the post-match conference.&nbsp;

The tone for the defence was set by Bhuvneshwar Kumar who started with a maiden over against Dhawan. The pressure of six dot balls was transferred to Jonny Bairstow who attempted to&nbsp;slog across the line and had his offstump flattened by SRH captain Pat Cummins.

Coming into bat at no. 3, Prabhsimran Singh had another disappointing outing and got out trying to manufacture something out of the ordinary. However, the moment of the match came when Heinrich Klaasen came up to the stumps with Bhuvneshwar bowling and stumped Dhawan who charged down the track, in what was a completely suicidal move.

With three wickets down in the powerplay, PBKS never looked like recovering as SRH bowlers kept coming at them relentlessly.&nbsp;Cummins&nbsp;and T Natarajan chipped in with a couple of wickets and kept a lid on the scoring rate up until that final burst from the PBKS duo.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/highest-individual-score-in-ipl-2024-latest-updated-list-today-709410">Also read |&nbsp;IPL 2024: Virat Kohli's 113 not out highest individual score in tournament. Check full list inside</a>

<h2>PBKS surrender advantage</h2>

Bowling first, PBKS were all over SRH, courtesy of Arshdeep Singh who picked up four wickets and was pivotal in stopping the likes of Travis Head and Aiden Markram from going big. Head could not do much damage despite having a reprieve when Kings did not take a review after he had edged the ball to the keeper.&nbsp;

Sam Curran sent Abhishek Sharma to the hut and up until the 15th over, it looked certain that PBKS would restrict SRH to anything below 160. However, Harpreet Brar and Harshal Patel were taken to the cleaners in successive overs and the momentum shifted from there.&nbsp;

SRH batters shifted the throttle and went slam bang in the final five which helped them put up the challenging total that proved just about enough in the end. The win meant that SRH and PBKS maintained their fifth and sixth spot respectively on the points table.&nbsp;

Punjab Kings (PBKS) suffered an agonising two-run defeat at home against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) after surrendering the initial advantage where they had the opposition batters on the rope.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) suffered an agonising two-run defeat at home against SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) after surrendering the initial advantage where they had the opposition batters on the rope. Set a challenging target of 183, PBKS could not conjure up enough partnerships to finish the chase, despite the late heroics of Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma. The duo did threaten to pull off a similar heist, as they did against Gujarat Titans in the previous match by scoring 26 runs off the last over but could not get over the line. Singh once again showed that PBKS invested in the right entity with his superlative power-hitting. "I feel that Shashank and Ashutosh played a great knock, we restricted them to a good total, but we couldn't cash in on the first 6 overs, lost 3 wickets and that's where we fell behind and it cost us in the end," said losing captain Shikhar Dhawan in the post-match conference. The tone for the defence was set by Bhuvneshwar Kumar who started with a maiden over against Dhawan. The pressure of six dot balls was transferred to Jonny Bairstow who attempted to slog across the line and had his offstump flattened by SRH captain Pat Cummins. Coming into bat at no. 3, Prabhsimran Singh had another disappointing outing and got out trying to manufacture something out of the ordinary. However, the moment of the match came when Heinrich Klaasen came up to the stumps with Bhuvneshwar bowling and stumped Dhawan who charged down the track, in what was a completely suicidal move. With three wickets down in the powerplay, PBKS never looked like recovering as SRH bowlers kept coming at them relentlessly. Cummins and T Natarajan chipped in with a couple of wickets and kept a lid on the scoring rate up until that final burst from the PBKS duo. Also read | IPL 2024: Virat Kohli's 113 not out highest individual score in tournament. Check full list inside PBKS surrender advantage Bowling first, PBKS were all over SRH, courtesy of Arshdeep Singh who picked up four wickets and was pivotal in stopping the likes of Travis Head and Aiden Markram from going big. Head could not do much damage despite having a reprieve when Kings did not take a review after he had edged the ball to the keeper. Sam Curran sent Abhishek Sharma to the hut and up until the 15th over, it looked certain that PBKS would restrict SRH to anything below 160. However, Harpreet Brar and Harshal Patel were taken to the cleaners in successive overs and the momentum shifted from there. SRH batters shifted the throttle and went slam bang in the final five which helped them put up the challenging total that proved just about enough in the end. The win meant that SRH and PBKS maintained their fifth and sixth spot respectively on the points table.

IPL 2024: PBKS go down swinging, lose by two runs at home to SRH

IPL 2024: Top players to represent both Sunrisers Hyderabad, Punjab Kings - In Pics

Punjab Kings Head Coach Trevor Bayliss believes that International Cricket is still the pinnacle of the sport. The 2019 ODI World Cup-winning coach says that the ICC has to find a way to balance International Cricket and franchise leagues.

Punjab Kings head coach Trevor Bayliss speaks on the future of the game

Shashank Singh (61 not out) proved to be the hero for Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) as they romped past Shubman Gill's Gujarat Titans (GT) by three wickets in the chase of 200 in match 17&nbsp;of IPL 2024, in Ahmedabad, on Thursday (April 4). Chasing 200, Punjab were 70 for 4 and further reduced to 111 for 5 before Shashank, an uncapped Indian player, turned it around by taking on every bowler and was also assisted by Ashutosh Sharma (17-ball 31*)&nbsp;in a thrilling run-chase.

Shashank, who was bought by mistake by the Punjab outfit in the IPL 2024 mini-auction, showed great temperament to hang in there and find the boundaries at regular intervals. He hit 6 fours and 4 sixes&nbsp;at a strike rate of 210.34. His 29-ball 61* stunned Gill &amp; Co. who were in charge of the 200-run defence before being blown away by the right-hander.

At the post-match presentation, Shashank said, "Still trying to sink in, I vision these things but turning it into reality feels great. I play cricketing shots, I bat at No. 7 but today I batted at No. 5. The bounce was very good, 200 scored by both teams so the wicket was fantastic."

He added, "I don't see the names, I react to the bowler and play my shots accordingly. Couldn't get much matches before, last to last year for SRH but the management, the coaching staff has really backed me and I was very confident."

Notably, Shashank&nbsp;created a lot of&nbsp;buzz during last year's mini-auction in December in Dubai. Punjab&nbsp;denied buying the player despite the hammer going down, however, later it was clarified that there was some confusion due to two players having the same name. They confirmed that&nbsp;they got the right player eventually.

Later, PBKS wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "Punjab Kings would like to clarify that Shashank Singh was always on our target list. The confusion was due to 2 players of the same name being on the list. We are delighted to have him onboard and see him contribute to our success."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-match-17-sunrisers-hyderabad-vs-chennai-super-kings-match-preview-and-result-prediction-707899">IPL 2024, Match 17: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings – Match preview and result prediction</a>

With Shashank making a mark in the IPL, Robin Uthappa revealed that the 32-year-old was his teammate at the now-defunct Pune Warriors India (PWI).

Speaking on Jio Cinema, Uthappa said, "Shashank Singh was with me in Pune Warriors India in 2011 and then kind of quietly did his time in the IPL. He was in a lot of franchises and never got the opportunity. He is a very quiet kid, someone, who quietly works in the background, soft-spoken an absolute gentleman. Tried to apply his trade in Mumbai, but didn't make it there. or didn't get much of an opportunity because it's not a boisterous kind of out-there kind of youngster, um, but always had the talent going to Pondicherry. It didn't work out there. So it's kind of been around the block and he's kind of bided his time and got his due."

Dhawan-led Punjab are now at the fifth spot, one above GT, and will now host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at home, at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Tuesday (April 9).

Shashank Singh (61 not out) proved to be the hero for Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) as they romped past Shubman Gill's Gujarat Titans (GT) by three wickets in the chase of 200 in match 17 of IPL 2024, in Ahmedabad, on Thursday (April 4).

Shashank Singh (61 not out) proved to be the hero for Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) as they romped past Shubman Gill's Gujarat Titans (GT) by three wickets in the chase of 200 in match 17 of IPL 2024, in Ahmedabad, on Thursday (April 4). Chasing 200, Punjab were 70 for 4 and further reduced to 111 for 5 before Shashank, an uncapped Indian player, turned it around by taking on every bowler and was also assisted by Ashutosh Sharma (17-ball 31*) in a thrilling run-chase. Shashank, who was bought by mistake by the Punjab outfit in the IPL 2024 mini-auction, showed great temperament to hang in there and find the boundaries at regular intervals. He hit 6 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate of 210.34. His 29-ball 61* stunned Gill & Co. who were in charge of the 200-run defence before being blown away by the right-hander. At the post-match presentation, Shashank said, "Still trying to sink in, I vision these things but turning it into reality feels great. I play cricketing shots, I bat at No. 7 but today I batted at No. 5. The bounce was very good, 200 scored by both teams so the wicket was fantastic." He added, "I don't see the names, I react to the bowler and play my shots accordingly. Couldn't get much matches before, last to last year for SRH but the management, the coaching staff has really backed me and I was very confident." Notably, Shashank created a lot of buzz during last year's mini-auction in December in Dubai. Punjab denied buying the player despite the hammer going down, however, later it was clarified that there was some confusion due to two players having the same name. They confirmed that they got the right player eventually. Later, PBKS wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "Punjab Kings would like to clarify that Shashank Singh was always on our target list. The confusion was due to 2 players of the same name being on the list. We are delighted to have him onboard and see him contribute to our success." Also read: IPL 2024, Match 17: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Chennai Super Kings – Match preview and result prediction With Shashank making a mark in the IPL, Robin Uthappa revealed that the 32-year-old was his teammate at the now-defunct Pune Warriors India (PWI). Speaking on Jio Cinema, Uthappa said, "Shashank Singh was with me in Pune Warriors India in 2011 and then kind of quietly did his time in the IPL. He was in a lot of franchises and never got the opportunity. He is a very quiet kid, someone, who quietly works in the background, soft-spoken an absolute gentleman. Tried to apply his trade in Mumbai, but didn't make it there. or didn't get much of an opportunity because it's not a boisterous kind of out-there kind of youngster, um, but always had the talent going to Pondicherry. It didn't work out there. So it's kind of been around the block and he's kind of bided his time and got his due." Dhawan-led Punjab are now at the fifth spot, one above GT, and will now host Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at home, at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Tuesday (April 9).

IPL 2024: 'Still trying to sink in' - Shashank Singh, PBKS' accidental buy, on his heroics vs GT

Match 17 of the IPL 2024 edition will see the Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans (GT) host the Shikhar Dhawan-starrer Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the&nbsp;Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday (April 4). While the Gujarat franchise is coming into this game on the back of a comfortable seven-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab have been struggling and have suffered two successive defeats since earning a&nbsp;win in their season-opener.

All eyes will be on Gill's form in the clash versus Punjab. So far, the right-hander has managed scores of 31, 8&nbsp;and 36 and while he has looked good, he hasn't converted his starts as his average is a mere 25; very low as per his standards. Thus, Gill's return to form will be a huge tick for the home side, who are at the fifth spot with two wins and a loss. They have started off positively and do not have a lot of concerns. Sai Sudarshan and David Miller are in good form and they have depth in their batting lineup. On the other hand, their bowling has always been their strength with Mohit Sharma being in top form. Rashid Khan,&nbsp;Azmatullah Omarzai and Umesh Yadav make a formidable bowling unit for them.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/dc-vs-kkr-eoin-morgan-lauds-rishabh-pants-recovery-after-dc-captain-hits-second-successive-fifty-of-ipl-2024-707478">DC vs KKR: Eoin Morgan lauds Rishabh Pant's recovery after DC captain hits second successive fifty of IPL 2024</a>

Meanwhile, Punjab have lots to ponder upon. They have once again made a poor start to a new season. Having won their season-opener versus Delhi Capitals (DC) at their new home base in Mullanpur, Punjab have lost two games on the trot while on the road. They will hope to revive their fortunes but Dhawan &amp; Co. have plenty of concerns.

Dhawan is striking at&nbsp;133.01 and, hence, is expected to come hard at the bowlers. The likes of Jonny Bairstow, Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh need to do a lot more in their primary roles for Punjab to bounce back. They need to sort out their bowling strategy at the earliest and it will be interesting to see how they respond versus Gujarat, on a good batting track in Ahmedabad.

Match preview and result prediction: Expect a lot of runs but toss will be crucial with dew being a big factor. It will be a high-scoring affair with the chasing side to emerge on top. Gujarat should add another win to their kitty. A win for Punjab looks unlikely at the moment and could be termed an upset if they stun Gill &amp; Co.

Match 17 of the IPL 2024 edition will see the Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans (GT) host the Shikhar Dhawan-starrer Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday (April 4).

Match 17 of the IPL 2024 edition will see the Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans (GT) host the Shikhar Dhawan-starrer Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the Narendra Modi Cricket Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday (April 4). While the Gujarat franchise is coming into this game on the back of a comfortable seven-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab have been struggling and have suffered two successive defeats since earning a win in their season-opener. All eyes will be on Gill's form in the clash versus Punjab. So far, the right-hander has managed scores of 31, 8 and 36 and while he has looked good, he hasn't converted his starts as his average is a mere 25; very low as per his standards. Thus, Gill's return to form will be a huge tick for the home side, who are at the fifth spot with two wins and a loss. They have started off positively and do not have a lot of concerns. Sai Sudarshan and David Miller are in good form and they have depth in their batting lineup. On the other hand, their bowling has always been their strength with Mohit Sharma being in top form. Rashid Khan, Azmatullah Omarzai and Umesh Yadav make a formidable bowling unit for them. Also read: DC vs KKR: Eoin Morgan lauds Rishabh Pant's recovery after DC captain hits second successive fifty of IPL 2024 Meanwhile, Punjab have lots to ponder upon. They have once again made a poor start to a new season. Having won their season-opener versus Delhi Capitals (DC) at their new home base in Mullanpur, Punjab have lost two games on the trot while on the road. They will hope to revive their fortunes but Dhawan & Co. have plenty of concerns. Dhawan is striking at 133.01 and, hence, is expected to come hard at the bowlers. The likes of Jonny Bairstow, Harshal Patel and Arshdeep Singh need to do a lot more in their primary roles for Punjab to bounce back. They need to sort out their bowling strategy at the earliest and it will be interesting to see how they respond versus Gujarat, on a good batting track in Ahmedabad. Match preview and result prediction: Expect a lot of runs but toss will be crucial with dew being a big factor. It will be a high-scoring affair with the chasing side to emerge on top. Gujarat should add another win to their kitty. A win for Punjab looks unlikely at the moment and could be termed an upset if they stun Gill & Co.

IPL 2024, Match 17: Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings – Match preview and result prediction

Punjab Kinds Head Coach Trevor Bayliss believes Lucknow Super Giants speedster Mayank Yadav has a bright future. Yadav has set the tournament alight with his extraordinary displays but Bayliss told WION Sports Editor Digvijay Singh Deo that the 21-year-old still has a long way to go.

Bayliss: Mayank Yadav has a bright future

Trevor Bayliss on the future of cricket

Despite a captain's knock from Shikhar Dhawan (70), Punjab Kings (PBKS) suffered a 21-run&nbsp;defeat against home side&nbsp;Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium on Saturday (Mar 20) evening. While the win was satisfying, it was the emergence of another young pacer, capable of bowling 150+ thunderbolts&nbsp;that must have delighted the LSG and Indian cricket fans alike.&nbsp;

Mayank Yadav, playing his debut IPL match, bowled the fastest ball of the tournament at 155.8 kmph before sending off Bairstow to the pavilion on the very next delivery. In the process, he broke the 102-run opening stand between the Englishman and Dhawan.&nbsp;

After Bairstow's departure, the PBKS innings never really recovered and Yadav was at the heart of it. His performance rejuvenated the LSG fielders who had been deflated by the pyrotechnics from the opening duo.&nbsp;

The blistering pace of the 21-year-old ensured that other bowlers took inspiration. Mohsin Khan took the big wickets of Dhawan and Sam Curran in consecutive deliveries which completely broke the PBKS spine.&nbsp;

In the end, the challenging target of 200 proved a little beyond the reach of PBKS's lower order. Afghan veteran Naveen-ul-Haq bowled the final few overs and ensured that LSG walked away with a win.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 goes 🔥 
 
𝟭𝟱𝟱.𝟴 𝗸𝗺𝘀/𝗵𝗿 by Mayank Yadav 🥵 
 
Relishing the raw and exciting pace of the debutant who now has 2️⃣ wickets to his name 🫡<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PBKS?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PBKS</a> require 71 from 36 delivers 
 
Watch the match LIVE on <a href="https://twitter.com/JioCinema?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JioCinema</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/StarSportsIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@StarSportsIndia</a> 💻📱<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> |… <a href="https://t.co/rELovBTYMz">pic.twitter.com/rELovBTYMz</a>
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) <a href="https://twitter.com/IPL/status/1774122919578223056?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>LSG's aggressive batting&nbsp;</h2>

Batting first, LSG could have easily scored anything above 220, if it wasn't for the starts thrown away by the batters. Quinton de Kock led the pack from the start and batted sensibly, reaching his 21st half-century. KL Rahul, who was not in the playing XI and brought in as an impact substitute, owing to the management wanting him to ease slowly following an injury setback, could not get going. He was the first to depart by smashing one straight to Bairstow at backward point.&nbsp;

Devdutt Padikkal's struggles in the middle continued and he fell prey to Sam Curran who was introduced in the final over of the powerplay for his second spell.

Despite the wickets, LSG never took the foot off the pedal. All-rounder Marcus Stoinis came in at No. 4 for a short intent-filled cameo and Pooran was always about keeping the run-rate turbo-charged. The West Indian took calculated risks to ensure the scoreboard was always moving.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-why-nicholas-pooran-is-captaining-lsg-instead-of-kl-rahul-against-pbks-revealed-706022">Also read |&nbsp;IPL 2024: Why Nicholas Pooran is captaining LSG instead of KL Rahul against PBKS - Revealed</a>

Badoni struggled and with Rabada getting Pooran with four odd overs to go,&nbsp;it looked like PBKS could close this out very well but Krunal put on a brilliant display of finishing to give his bowlers a great chance.

Curran used the cutters to great effect. Arshdeep got the key wickets of KL and QdK. Kagiso Rabada and Rahul Chahar also chipped in with a wicket each but they were on the higher end of the economy rate.&nbsp;

Despite a captain's knock from Shikhar Dhawan (70), Punjab Kings (PBKS) suffered a 21-run defeat against home side Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium on Saturday (Mar 20) evening.

Despite a captain's knock from Shikhar Dhawan (70), Punjab Kings (PBKS) suffered a 21-run defeat against home side Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) at the Ekana Stadium on Saturday (Mar 20) evening. While the win was satisfying, it was the emergence of another young pacer, capable of bowling 150+ thunderbolts that must have delighted the LSG and Indian cricket fans alike. Mayank Yadav, playing his debut IPL match, bowled the fastest ball of the tournament at 155.8 kmph before sending off Bairstow to the pavilion on the very next delivery. In the process, he broke the 102-run opening stand between the Englishman and Dhawan. After Bairstow's departure, the PBKS innings never really recovered and Yadav was at the heart of it. His performance rejuvenated the LSG fielders who had been deflated by the pyrotechnics from the opening duo. The blistering pace of the 21-year-old ensured that other bowlers took inspiration. Mohsin Khan took the big wickets of Dhawan and Sam Curran in consecutive deliveries which completely broke the PBKS spine. In the end, the challenging target of 200 proved a little beyond the reach of PBKS's lower order. Afghan veteran Naveen-ul-Haq bowled the final few overs and ensured that LSG walked away with a win. 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗿 goes 🔥 𝟭𝟱𝟱.𝟴 𝗸𝗺𝘀/𝗵𝗿 by Mayank Yadav 🥵 Relishing the raw and exciting pace of the debutant who now has 2️⃣ wickets to his name 🫡#PBKS require 71 from 36 delivers Watch the match LIVE on @JioCinema and @StarSportsIndia 💻📱#TATAIPL |… pic.twitter.com/rELovBTYMz — IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 30, 2024 × LSG's aggressive batting Batting first, LSG could have easily scored anything above 220, if it wasn't for the starts thrown away by the batters. Quinton de Kock led the pack from the start and batted sensibly, reaching his 21st half-century. KL Rahul, who was not in the playing XI and brought in as an impact substitute, owing to the management wanting him to ease slowly following an injury setback, could not get going. He was the first to depart by smashing one straight to Bairstow at backward point. Devdutt Padikkal's struggles in the middle continued and he fell prey to Sam Curran who was introduced in the final over of the powerplay for his second spell. Despite the wickets, LSG never took the foot off the pedal. All-rounder Marcus Stoinis came in at No. 4 for a short intent-filled cameo and Pooran was always about keeping the run-rate turbo-charged. The West Indian took calculated risks to ensure the scoreboard was always moving. Also read | IPL 2024: Why Nicholas Pooran is captaining LSG instead of KL Rahul against PBKS - Revealed Badoni struggled and with Rabada getting Pooran with four odd overs to go, it looked like PBKS could close this out very well but Krunal put on a brilliant display of finishing to give his bowlers a great chance. Curran used the cutters to great effect. Arshdeep got the key wickets of KL and QdK. Kagiso Rabada and Rahul Chahar also chipped in with a wicket each but they were on the higher end of the economy rate.

IPL 2024: Lucknow Super Giants tame Punjab Kings at Ekana, secure first win of the season

Microeconomics has a simple concept of opportunity-cost which applies perfectly to the current state of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 ahead of their Saturday’s encounter at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

The concept means the cost of giving up something to get something else. You cannot have all things ‘best’ at once and hence need to decide which one to focus on first.

In IPL, tactics and strategy have become the opportunity cost for LSG and PBKS in their attempt to gather consistent runs from captains KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan.

KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan were among the top-10 highest run-scorers in every IPL season between 2018 and 2023. As the second and fourth-highest run-scorers overall in this period (more than the likes of Virat Kohli), they were your sure-shot candidates for Orange Caps, your run-machines at the top of the order, certain to give starts in every second game.

The first time they both fell off the top 10 was in IPL 2023 - when they were captains of the respective teams at the same time.&nbsp;

For starters, Rahul’s numbers have fallen since he took up captaincy in the IPL in 2020. Till 2019, he had an overall strike rate of 137.79, which, instead of going up in his prime years, has come down to 134.38. In IPL 2018 and 2019, Rahul’s strike rate in powerplay overs was around 141, which plummeted to just over 109 in 2022 and 2023.

He has shown an aversion to shift to the middle-order, which has meant that LSG’s new signing Devdutt Padikkal, who is best suited to opening as well, has to bat at number three.

Moreover, Rahul’s slow strike rate at the top deprives deliveries to the team’s middle-order stars Nicholas Pooran and Marcus Stoinis. Even when Rahul stays till late and scores quicker in the middle overs to cover up some ground, as happened against the Rajasthan Royals, it doesn’t leave the finisher with enough deliveries to have an impact.

For Dhawan, the discourse is the opposite. He has gotten better with the bat since taking up the captaincy, despite being on the wrong side of the 30s and out of the national team’s plans.

However, he has faced criticism over his captaincy and strategies. There was some pressure on him in IPL 2023 but he looked much better against Delhi Capitals at home. However, once again, the placements of his deep fielders were questionable against RCB at the Chinnaswamy. His utilisation of a good bowling attack hasn’t sat well with many either.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/bundesliga-harry-kane-coman-declared-fit-for-dortmund-clash-but-neuer-misses-out-705808">Bundesliga: Harry Kane, Coman declared fit for Dortmund clash but Neuer misses out</a>

A ground where leg-spinners have managed to find success over the years, he gave Rahul Chahar just one over despite PBKS being desperate for a wicket. Sam Curran, an excellent death-overs operator for grippy tracks — has just bowled four overs so far in two games.

By betting on Rahul and Dhawan’s batting returns, LSG and PBKS have lost good powerplay starts and tactical acumen respectively. Now, it’s on the two opening batters to find some form and repay the trust shown in them, or else the opportunity cost might just be too high for the franchises to let the status quo continue any longer.

Microeconomics has a simple concept of opportunity-cost which applies perfectly to the current state of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 ahead of their Saturday’s encounter at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

Microeconomics has a simple concept of opportunity-cost which applies perfectly to the current state of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 ahead of their Saturday’s encounter at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. The concept means the cost of giving up something to get something else. You cannot have all things ‘best’ at once and hence need to decide which one to focus on first. In IPL, tactics and strategy have become the opportunity cost for LSG and PBKS in their attempt to gather consistent runs from captains KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan. KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan were among the top-10 highest run-scorers in every IPL season between 2018 and 2023. As the second and fourth-highest run-scorers overall in this period (more than the likes of Virat Kohli), they were your sure-shot candidates for Orange Caps, your run-machines at the top of the order, certain to give starts in every second game. The first time they both fell off the top 10 was in IPL 2023 - when they were captains of the respective teams at the same time. For starters, Rahul’s numbers have fallen since he took up captaincy in the IPL in 2020. Till 2019, he had an overall strike rate of 137.79, which, instead of going up in his prime years, has come down to 134.38. In IPL 2018 and 2019, Rahul’s strike rate in powerplay overs was around 141, which plummeted to just over 109 in 2022 and 2023. He has shown an aversion to shift to the middle-order, which has meant that LSG’s new signing Devdutt Padikkal, who is best suited to opening as well, has to bat at number three. Moreover, Rahul’s slow strike rate at the top deprives deliveries to the team’s middle-order stars Nicholas Pooran and Marcus Stoinis. Even when Rahul stays till late and scores quicker in the middle overs to cover up some ground, as happened against the Rajasthan Royals, it doesn’t leave the finisher with enough deliveries to have an impact. For Dhawan, the discourse is the opposite. He has gotten better with the bat since taking up the captaincy, despite being on the wrong side of the 30s and out of the national team’s plans. However, he has faced criticism over his captaincy and strategies. There was some pressure on him in IPL 2023 but he looked much better against Delhi Capitals at home. However, once again, the placements of his deep fielders were questionable against RCB at the Chinnaswamy. His utilisation of a good bowling attack hasn’t sat well with many either. ALSO READ | Bundesliga: Harry Kane, Coman declared fit for Dortmund clash but Neuer misses out A ground where leg-spinners have managed to find success over the years, he gave Rahul Chahar just one over despite PBKS being desperate for a wicket. Sam Curran, an excellent death-overs operator for grippy tracks — has just bowled four overs so far in two games. By betting on Rahul and Dhawan’s batting returns, LSG and PBKS have lost good powerplay starts and tactical acumen respectively. Now, it’s on the two opening batters to find some form and repay the trust shown in them, or else the opportunity cost might just be too high for the franchises to let the status quo continue any longer.

IPL 2024: Focus on KL Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan as LSG vs PBKS takes spotlight in Lucknow

PBKS 2024 Full Updated Squad:&nbsp;Punjab Kings is one of the few franchises yet to put its hand on an IPL trophy. However, with a settled core and some new additions to the squad for IPL 2024, which begins on March 22, PBKS will hope to end their dry run in the tournament and chase the ultimate glory.&nbsp;

Under Shikhar Dhawan, Punjab’s USP will be their dominant batting order, including some hard-hitting English cricketers like Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran. Although all three are unlikely to play all the scheduled games, their presence will boost PBKS’ confidence against top teams.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/srh-updated-squad-ipl-2024-sunrisers-hyderabad-probable-playing-xi-replacement-captain-schedule-702746">SRH Updated Squad: IPL 2024, SunRisers Hyderabad probable playing XI, replacement, captain, schedule</a>

Meanwhile, Punjab’s bowling attack has several match winners listed, like Kagiso Rabada and India’s pair of Arshdeep Singh and recently bought Harshal Patel. Rahul Chahar will be their first-choice spinner in the playing XI.

<h2>PBKS IPL 2024 Details –</h2>

Home Ground -&nbsp;Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, Mohali

Best Performance – IPL 2014 Finalist

Captain – Shikhar Dhawan

<h2>PBKS Full Schedule</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals – March 23 – Mohali – 3:30 PM IST</li>
	<li>Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings – March 25 – Bengaluru – 7:30 PM IST</li>
	<li>Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings – Lucknow – March 30 – 7:30 PM IST</li>
	<li>Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings – Ahmedabad – April 4 – 7:30 PM IST&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

<h2>PBKS probable playing XI</h2>

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Atharva Taide, Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sam Curran, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar and Arshdeep Singh

<h2>PBKS players bought at IPL 2024 auction&nbsp;</h2>

Harshal Patel (INR 11.75 crore), Chris Woakes (INR 4.20 crore), Ashutosh Sharma (INR 20 lakh), Vishwanath Pratap Singh (INR 20 lakh), Shashank Singh (INR 20 lakh), Tanay Thyagarajann (INR 20 lakh), Prince Choudhary (INR 20 lakh) and Rilee Rossouw (INR 8 crore)

<h2>PBKS Squad for IPL 2024</h2>

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Harpreet Bhatia, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Rishi Dhawan, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Shivam Singh, Chris Woakes, Ashutosh Sharma, Vishwanath Singh, Tanay Thyagarajan, Harshal Patel, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar, Vidhwath Kaverappa and Prince Choudhary

PBKS 2024 Full Updated Squad: Punjab Kings is one of the few franchises yet to put its hand on an IPL trophy. However, with a settled core and some new additions to the squad for IPL 2024, which begins on March 22, PBKS will hope to end their dry run in the tournament and chase the ultimate glory.

PBKS 2024 Full Updated Squad: Punjab Kings is one of the few franchises yet to put its hand on an IPL trophy. However, with a settled core and some new additions to the squad for IPL 2024, which begins on March 22, PBKS will hope to end their dry run in the tournament and chase the ultimate glory. Under Shikhar Dhawan, Punjab’s USP will be their dominant batting order, including some hard-hitting English cricketers like Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran. Although all three are unlikely to play all the scheduled games, their presence will boost PBKS’ confidence against top teams. ALSO READ: SRH Updated Squad: IPL 2024, SunRisers Hyderabad probable playing XI, replacement, captain, schedule Meanwhile, Punjab’s bowling attack has several match winners listed, like Kagiso Rabada and India’s pair of Arshdeep Singh and recently bought Harshal Patel. Rahul Chahar will be their first-choice spinner in the playing XI. PBKS IPL 2024 Details – Home Ground - Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium, Mohali Best Performance – IPL 2014 Finalist Captain – Shikhar Dhawan PBKS Full Schedule Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals – March 23 – Mohali – 3:30 PM IST Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings – March 25 – Bengaluru – 7:30 PM IST Lucknow Super Giants vs Punjab Kings – Lucknow – March 30 – 7:30 PM IST Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings – Ahmedabad – April 4 – 7:30 PM IST PBKS probable playing XI Shikhar Dhawan (c), Atharva Taide, Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sam Curran, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar and Arshdeep Singh PBKS players bought at IPL 2024 auction Harshal Patel (INR 11.75 crore), Chris Woakes (INR 4.20 crore), Ashutosh Sharma (INR 20 lakh), Vishwanath Pratap Singh (INR 20 lakh), Shashank Singh (INR 20 lakh), Tanay Thyagarajann (INR 20 lakh), Prince Choudhary (INR 20 lakh) and Rilee Rossouw (INR 8 crore) PBKS Squad for IPL 2024 Shikhar Dhawan (c), Harpreet Bhatia, Rilee Rossouw, Shashank Singh, Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Rishi Dhawan, Sam Curran, Sikandar Raza, Shivam Singh, Chris Woakes, Ashutosh Sharma, Vishwanath Singh, Tanay Thyagarajan, Harshal Patel, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Ellis, Rahul Chahar, Vidhwath Kaverappa and Prince Choudhary

PBKS 2024 Full Updated squad: Punjab Kings probable playing XI, replacement, Captain, schedule for IPL 2024

Rishabh Pant, after 14 months of the&nbsp;horrific car crash&nbsp;is set to return to competitive cricket with IPL 2024. He will take charge of the Delhi Capitals (DC) and lead them in their opening fixture, versus Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Chandigarh. Ahead of DC's clash versus&nbsp;PBKS, Pant shared his feelings about returning to the 22-yard cricket strip after a long hiatus.&nbsp;

In DC's pre-season camp, in Visakhapatnam, Pant said, "Jittery, nervous, excited- all of it, but at the same time, just happy, being able to come back to professional cricket. I'm just looking forward to playing my first game tomorrow," Pant further expressed. "Every time I take the field, it's a different feeling altogether. I just wanted to bat as much as I could and get better every day. I don't think much ahead, I take one day at a time, and give my 100%."

Speaking about the one-time finalists Delhi and their&nbsp;approach towards the games this season, Pant&nbsp;stated, "Most of the conversations are pretty simple, we just want to go out there, have fun, not complicate things and give our 100% in all the games."

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-punjabs-liam-livingstone-backs-2-bouncers-rule-in-an-over-says-it-brings-balance-703137">IPL 2024: Punjab’s Liam Livingstone backs 2 bouncers rule in an over, says it brings balance</a>

<h2>'Rishabh Pant&nbsp;is the heartbeat of this franchise'</h2>

Meanwhile, head coach Ricky Ponting also spoke at length about the team's preparedness for the season. He opined, "Make no mistake, we have got a great team this year. Our preparations have been absolutely perfect. We are just looking to topping it off today, and make sure we put a performance that I know would be good enough to win the game tomorrow."

"We are about to start an IPL, it's really an exciting time of the year. It becomes more exciting when your captain is back in your team. He is our leader, he is the heartbeat of this franchise and having him back is going to make this team a lot stronger."

"We had a week's training in Vizag before coming here and trust me Rishabh is back and ready to play. He will be a little bit nervous tomorrow, playing his first game in a while but nerves are always good because it means something to you. I've seen where his game is at, and don't be surprised if something special happens tomorrow," the former Aussie captain added.

In IPL 2023, David Warner led DC in absence of Pant. They ended at the ninth spot and, hence,&nbsp;will be desperate to enter the playoffs and claim their maiden title.

DC Squad for IPL 2024:&nbsp;Rishabh Pant, Tristan Stubbs, Abishek Porel, Kumar Kushagra, Ricky Bhui, Shai Hope, &nbsp;Prithvi Shaw, Harry Brook, Yash Dhull, Swastik Chikara, David Warner, &nbsp;Pravin Dubey, Axar Patel, Mitchell Marsh, Lalit Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Sumit Kumar, Anrich Nortje, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Kuldeep Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Jhye Richardson, Rasikh Salem

Rishabh Pant, after 14 months of the horrific car crash is set to return to competitive cricket with IPL 2024. He will take charge of the Delhi Capitals (DC) and lead them in their opening fixture, versus Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Chandigarh.

Rishabh Pant, after 14 months of the horrific car crash is set to return to competitive cricket with IPL 2024. He will take charge of the Delhi Capitals (DC) and lead them in their opening fixture, versus Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Chandigarh. Ahead of DC's clash versus PBKS, Pant shared his feelings about returning to the 22-yard cricket strip after a long hiatus. In DC's pre-season camp, in Visakhapatnam, Pant said, "Jittery, nervous, excited- all of it, but at the same time, just happy, being able to come back to professional cricket. I'm just looking forward to playing my first game tomorrow," Pant further expressed. "Every time I take the field, it's a different feeling altogether. I just wanted to bat as much as I could and get better every day. I don't think much ahead, I take one day at a time, and give my 100%." Speaking about the one-time finalists Delhi and their approach towards the games this season, Pant stated, "Most of the conversations are pretty simple, we just want to go out there, have fun, not complicate things and give our 100% in all the games." Also read: IPL 2024: Punjab’s Liam Livingstone backs 2 bouncers rule in an over, says it brings balance 'Rishabh Pant is the heartbeat of this franchise' Meanwhile, head coach Ricky Ponting also spoke at length about the team's preparedness for the season. He opined, "Make no mistake, we have got a great team this year. Our preparations have been absolutely perfect. We are just looking to topping it off today, and make sure we put a performance that I know would be good enough to win the game tomorrow." "We are about to start an IPL, it's really an exciting time of the year. It becomes more exciting when your captain is back in your team. He is our leader, he is the heartbeat of this franchise and having him back is going to make this team a lot stronger." "We had a week's training in Vizag before coming here and trust me Rishabh is back and ready to play. He will be a little bit nervous tomorrow, playing his first game in a while but nerves are always good because it means something to you. I've seen where his game is at, and don't be surprised if something special happens tomorrow," the former Aussie captain added. In IPL 2023, David Warner led DC in absence of Pant. They ended at the ninth spot and, hence, will be desperate to enter the playoffs and claim their maiden title. DC Squad for IPL 2024: Rishabh Pant, Tristan Stubbs, Abishek Porel, Kumar Kushagra, Ricky Bhui, Shai Hope, Prithvi Shaw, Harry Brook, Yash Dhull, Swastik Chikara, David Warner, Pravin Dubey, Axar Patel, Mitchell Marsh, Lalit Yadav, Vicky Ostwal, Sumit Kumar, Anrich Nortje, Mukesh Kumar, Khaleel Ahmed, Kuldeep Yadav, Ishant Sharma, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Jhye Richardson, Rasikh Salem

IPL 2024: 'Jittery, nervous, excited' - Delhi Capitals' captain Rishabh Pant ahead of opener vs PBKS

England and Punjab Kings all-rounder Liam Livingstone says the introduction of two bouncers per over rule in the IPL will bring balance to the game, resulting in excitement among cricketers and fans. Ahead of PBKS’ season opener against Delhi Capitals at their new home ground in Chandigarh on Saturday (March 23), Livingstone feels the vibe and said the team held several practice sessions at the new stadium to get used to the conditions.

"It's a new stadium. We've had 5-6 training sessions to get used to the conditions here. We retained most of our players from last season, and everyone's excited for the challenges that lie ahead of us,” Livingstone said during the pre-game presser in Chandigarh.

Speaking on the positives from the last season despite Punjab failing to seal the playoffs spot, Liam said the team remained in contention for the top-four finish until the last few games and aims to improve this season to ensure they are among the top teams on the points table.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-good-to-catch-up-with-ms-dhoni-rcbs-virat-kohli-excited-for-curtain-raiser-vs-csk-703102">IPL 2024: ‘Good to catch up with MS Dhoni’ – RCB’s Virat Kohli excited for curtain raiser vs CSK</a>

"We did a lot of good things last season. We were in the running for a playoff spot until the last couple of games. We've got a really good squad, and the team environment is great. We'll certainly look to improve our performance this season,” the star all-rounder added.

Liam said the team plans to enjoy their time in the middle, with a solid aim of doing most things correctly and falling on the right side of results this season.

"We'll be looking to have a lot of fun and enjoy ourselves on the park and step up in the big moments. We should deal with the pressure moments well, and hopefully, we'll come up on the right side more times than not,” Livingstone noted.

<h2>2 bouncers rule will help bring balance</h2>

The addition of two bouncers per over rule will benefit the balance of the game, feels Liam, who admits the level of excitement will only improve following the implication of this rule.

"I think it'll be good to have two bouncers available. The bowlers have complained a lot over the years that everything is in the batters' favour, so they've got something in their favour now. It'll be interesting to see how it goes,” Livingstone said.&nbsp;

England and Punjab Kings all-rounder Liam Livingstone says the introduction of two bouncers per over rule in the IPL will bring balance to the game, resulting in excitement among cricketers and fans.

England and Punjab Kings all-rounder Liam Livingstone says the introduction of two bouncers per over rule in the IPL will bring balance to the game, resulting in excitement among cricketers and fans. Ahead of PBKS’ season opener against Delhi Capitals at their new home ground in Chandigarh on Saturday (March 23), Livingstone feels the vibe and said the team held several practice sessions at the new stadium to get used to the conditions. "It's a new stadium. We've had 5-6 training sessions to get used to the conditions here. We retained most of our players from last season, and everyone's excited for the challenges that lie ahead of us,” Livingstone said during the pre-game presser in Chandigarh. Speaking on the positives from the last season despite Punjab failing to seal the playoffs spot, Liam said the team remained in contention for the top-four finish until the last few games and aims to improve this season to ensure they are among the top teams on the points table. ALSO READ: IPL 2024: ‘Good to catch up with MS Dhoni’ – RCB’s Virat Kohli excited for curtain raiser vs CSK "We did a lot of good things last season. We were in the running for a playoff spot until the last couple of games. We've got a really good squad, and the team environment is great. We'll certainly look to improve our performance this season,” the star all-rounder added. Liam said the team plans to enjoy their time in the middle, with a solid aim of doing most things correctly and falling on the right side of results this season. "We'll be looking to have a lot of fun and enjoy ourselves on the park and step up in the big moments. We should deal with the pressure moments well, and hopefully, we'll come up on the right side more times than not,” Livingstone noted. 2 bouncers rule will help bring balance The addition of two bouncers per over rule will benefit the balance of the game, feels Liam, who admits the level of excitement will only improve following the implication of this rule. "I think it'll be good to have two bouncers available. The bowlers have complained a lot over the years that everything is in the batters' favour, so they've got something in their favour now. It'll be interesting to see how it goes,” Livingstone said.

IPL 2024: Punjab’s Liam Livingstone backs 2 bouncers rule in an over, says it brings balance

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction 2024 saw drama being unfolded when Punjab Kings decided they didn't want a player after buying him. The incident involved an uncapped Indian cricketer named Shashank Singh. The IPL franchise, however, issued a clarification that the player was always in the plans and the cricketer has now reacted to it.

"It's All Cool ... Thank you for Trusting on me!!!!", wrote the 32-year-old batter from Chhattisgarh on his social media handle X. Have a look at the video below:

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It’s All Cool … Thank you for Trusting on me!!!! <a href="https://t.co/Gs9hOnRspa">https://t.co/Gs9hOnRspa</a>
— shashank singh (@shashank2191) <a href="https://twitter.com/shashank2191/status/1737455309168480438?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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The drama started because there were two players with the same name: a 32-year-old batter and a 19-year-old player from Bengal. After the hammer went down on Shashank for a base price of INR 20 lakh, the Kings' table moved to the next player, Tanay Thyagarajan, whom they bought as well. Kings co-owner Ness Wadia then tried to inform the auctioneer, Mallika Sagar about the wrong player matter, but the request was turned down.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/england-coach-matthew-mott-happy-with-phil-salt-jos-buttler-opening-pair-for-t20-world-cup-671952">England coach Matthew Mott happy with Phil Salt-Jos Buttler opening pair for T20 World Cup</a>

Later, Punjab Kings confirmed that they bought the right player. They also issued a statement which read: "Official Update Punjab Kings would like to clarify that Shashank Singh was always on our target list. The confusion was due to 2 players of the same name being on the list. We are delighted to have him on board and see him contribute to our success."

The player they bought has been with multiple IPL teams and played for SunRisers Hyderabad in the last season. Punjab Kings&nbsp;bought a total of eight players with their biggest buy being Harshal Patel for INR 11.75 crore.

Punjab Kings Full Squad: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Matthew Short, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Sikandar Raza, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Nathan Ellis, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Shivam Singh, Harshal Patel, Chris Woakes, Ashutosh Sharma, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Shashank Singh, Tanay Thyagarajann, Prince Choudhary, Rilee Rossouw. &nbsp;

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction 2024 saw drama being unfolded when Punjab Kings decided they didn't want a player after buying him. The incident involved an uncapped Indian cricketer named Shashank Singh.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) Auction 2024 saw drama being unfolded when Punjab Kings decided they didn't want a player after buying him. The incident involved an uncapped Indian cricketer named Shashank Singh. The IPL franchise, however, issued a clarification that the player was always in the plans and the cricketer has now reacted to it. "It's All Cool ... Thank you for Trusting on me!!!!", wrote the 32-year-old batter from Chhattisgarh on his social media handle X. Have a look at the video below: It’s All Cool … Thank you for Trusting on me!!!! https://t.co/Gs9hOnRspa — shashank singh (@shashank2191) December 20, 2023 × The drama started because there were two players with the same name: a 32-year-old batter and a 19-year-old player from Bengal. After the hammer went down on Shashank for a base price of INR 20 lakh, the Kings' table moved to the next player, Tanay Thyagarajan, whom they bought as well. Kings co-owner Ness Wadia then tried to inform the auctioneer, Mallika Sagar about the wrong player matter, but the request was turned down. Also Read: England coach Matthew Mott happy with Phil Salt-Jos Buttler opening pair for T20 World Cup Later, Punjab Kings confirmed that they bought the right player. They also issued a statement which read: "Official Update Punjab Kings would like to clarify that Shashank Singh was always on our target list. The confusion was due to 2 players of the same name being on the list. We are delighted to have him on board and see him contribute to our success." The player they bought has been with multiple IPL teams and played for SunRisers Hyderabad in the last season. Punjab Kings bought a total of eight players with their biggest buy being Harshal Patel for INR 11.75 crore. Punjab Kings Full Squad: Shikhar Dhawan (c), Matthew Short, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Sikandar Raza, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Nathan Ellis, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Shivam Singh, Harshal Patel, Chris Woakes, Ashutosh Sharma, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Shashank Singh, Tanay Thyagarajann, Prince Choudhary, Rilee Rossouw.

IPL 2024 Auction: Shashank Singh, bought by Punjab Kings, reacts to confusion

The IPL 2024 auction made heads turn on Tuesday (Dec 19). The mega affair was held in Dubai, becoming the first-ever IPL auction being held outside India. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, Australia's famed pace duo, ended as the top two expensive buys as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) roped in Starc for INR 24.75 crore (247.5 million) and the latter went to the Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 20.50 crore (205 million).

Talking about the Punjab Kings (PBKS), they also added some key players to their squad. Harshal Patel was their highest buy, for INR 11.75 crore (117.5 million). However, their table made heads turn when they mistakenly bid for uncapped Indian player Shashank Singh.&nbsp;

During the accelerated part of the auction, the Punjab franchise was keen to acquire some uncapped Indian players. After getting the services of Ashutosh Sharma and Vishwanath Pratap Singh at their respective base price, they turned their focus towards Shashank and raised the paddle when no other team did. After receiving the opening bid, auctioneer Mallika Sagar followed the routine procedure and eventually&nbsp;sold the player to Punjab. However, there was a late twist as the PBKS didn't want the player and, thus, there was sheer chaos on their table.&nbsp;

Watch Video:

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— Cricket With Me (@Cricketwithme15) <a href="https://twitter.com/Cricketwithme15/status/1737177856495792362?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-odi-rankings-babar-azam-reclaims-no-1-spot-from-gill-indian-veterans-kohli-and-rohit-remain-in-top-4-671697">ICC ODI Rankings: Babar Azam reclaims No. 1 spot from Gill, Indian veterans Kohli and Rohit remain in top 4</a>

"It was a wrong name? You don't want the player?" asked the auctioneer Mallika. "We are talking about Shashank Singh. But the hammer has come down. Player No. 236 and 237 both went to you."

Ness Wadia, another PBKS co-owner,&nbsp;then seemed to be informed that they mistakenly bid for Shashank. However, Mallika's decision didn't change and she replied, "I think the hammer has come down for 237 (Shashank) as well."

It is to be noted that there were two Shashank Singhs in the IPL 2024 auction. The one roped in by Punjab is a 32-year-old batting all-rounder, who has been earlier part of the Delhi Capitals (DC), Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In IPL 2023, he was part of the Orange Army, playing as many as 10 games where he failed to make any impact. On the other hand, the other is a 19-year-old bowling all-rounder, yet to make his first-class debut. Both of them had a base price of INR 20 lakh&nbsp;(2 million).

Usually, a young uncapped player is thrilled to bits when he sees a team bid for him in the IPL auction. While Shashank got a bid and found a franchise as well, one can say that he might not be on cloud nine seeing the strange turn of events.&nbsp;

PUNJAB KINGS FINAL SQUAD AFTER IPL 2024 AUCTION

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Matthew Short, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Sikandar Raza, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Nathan Ellis, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Shivam Singh, Harshal Patel, Chris Woakes, Ashutosh Sharma, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Shashank Singh, Tanay Thyagarajann, Prince Choudhary, Rilee Rossouw.&nbsp;

The IPL 2024 auction made heads turn on Tuesday (Dec 19). The mega affair was held in Dubai, becoming the first-ever IPL auction being held outside India. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, Australia's famed pace duo, ended as the top two expensive buys as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) roped in Starc for INR 24.

The IPL 2024 auction made heads turn on Tuesday (Dec 19). The mega affair was held in Dubai, becoming the first-ever IPL auction being held outside India. Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, Australia's famed pace duo, ended as the top two expensive buys as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) roped in Starc for INR 24.75 crore (247.5 million) and the latter went to the Sunrisers Hyderabad for INR 20.50 crore (205 million). Talking about the Punjab Kings (PBKS), they also added some key players to their squad. Harshal Patel was their highest buy, for INR 11.75 crore (117.5 million). However, their table made heads turn when they mistakenly bid for uncapped Indian player Shashank Singh. During the accelerated part of the auction, the Punjab franchise was keen to acquire some uncapped Indian players. After getting the services of Ashutosh Sharma and Vishwanath Pratap Singh at their respective base price, they turned their focus towards Shashank and raised the paddle when no other team did. After receiving the opening bid, auctioneer Mallika Sagar followed the routine procedure and eventually sold the player to Punjab. However, there was a late twist as the PBKS didn't want the player and, thus, there was sheer chaos on their table. Watch Video: https://t.co/vWOa5oBRQG — Cricket With Me (@Cricketwithme15) December 19, 2023 × Also read: ICC ODI Rankings: Babar Azam reclaims No. 1 spot from Gill, Indian veterans Kohli and Rohit remain in top 4 "It was a wrong name? You don't want the player?" asked the auctioneer Mallika. "We are talking about Shashank Singh. But the hammer has come down. Player No. 236 and 237 both went to you." Ness Wadia, another PBKS co-owner, then seemed to be informed that they mistakenly bid for Shashank. However, Mallika's decision didn't change and she replied, "I think the hammer has come down for 237 (Shashank) as well." It is to be noted that there were two Shashank Singhs in the IPL 2024 auction. The one roped in by Punjab is a 32-year-old batting all-rounder, who has been earlier part of the Delhi Capitals (DC), Mumbai Indians (MI) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). In IPL 2023, he was part of the Orange Army, playing as many as 10 games where he failed to make any impact. On the other hand, the other is a 19-year-old bowling all-rounder, yet to make his first-class debut. Both of them had a base price of INR 20 lakh (2 million). Usually, a young uncapped player is thrilled to bits when he sees a team bid for him in the IPL auction. While Shashank got a bid and found a franchise as well, one can say that he might not be on cloud nine seeing the strange turn of events. PUNJAB KINGS FINAL SQUAD AFTER IPL 2024 AUCTION Shikhar Dhawan (c), Matthew Short, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Sikandar Raza, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Nathan Ellis, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Shivam Singh, Harshal Patel, Chris Woakes, Ashutosh Sharma, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Shashank Singh, Tanay Thyagarajann, Prince Choudhary, Rilee Rossouw.

IPL 2024 auction: Chaos ensues as PBKS mistakenly bid for Shashank Singh, denied reversal by auctioneer

PBKS IPL Auction 2024:&nbsp;One of the few teams to have never won an IPL title – Punjab Kings (PBKS) is close to assembling their best-ever squad ahead of the next season. Although much like a few top sides like CSK and MI, PBKS also has an almost first XI sorted on paper. The Punjab-based team did its&nbsp;homework to acquire players for required roles. Here is PBKS’ squad and remaining purse after&nbsp;the IPL 2024 mini-auction.&nbsp;

Upon releasing only limited-yet-impact players on the retention day, Punjab stunned everyone with their choices. The absence of experienced middle-order players in their line-up hurt them the last time, but the new coaching staff will have better plans under their sleeves ahead of IPL 2024.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/lsg-ipl-auction-2024-live-lucknow-super-giants-captain-batsmen-bowlers-keepers-remaining-purse-squad-670795">LSG IPL Auction 2024 LIVE: Lucknow Super Giants captain, batsmen, bowlers, keepers, remaining purse, squad</a>

With limited spin-bowling options in Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar, alongside just one swing bowler in Arshdeep Singh, Punjab splurged on players like&nbsp;Harshal Patel,&nbsp;Chris Woakes and&nbsp;Rilee Rossouw.&nbsp;

<ul>
</ul>

<h2>Here is the complete list of Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain, batters, bowlers, wicketkeepers and the remaining purse –</h2>

Punjab Kings (PBKS) remaining purse after the IPL 2024 mini-auction - INR 4.15&nbsp;Crore || Slots left - 0&nbsp;|| Overseas slots left – 0

IPL 2024 Purchases&nbsp;-

<ul>
	<li>Harshal Patel bought for INR 11.75 crores</li>
	<li>Chris Woakes&nbsp;bought for INR 4.8 crores</li>
	<li>Ashutosh Sharma bought for INR 20 lakh</li>
	<li>Vishwanath Pratap&nbsp;bought for INR 20 lakh</li>
	<li>Shashank Singh&nbsp;bought for INR 20 lakh</li>
	<li>Tanay Thyagarajan&nbsp;bought for INR 20 lakh</li>
	<li>Prince Choudhary&nbsp;bought for INR 20 lakh</li>
	<li>Rilee Rossouw&nbsp;bought for INR 8&nbsp;crores</li>
</ul>

<h2>PBKS Squad –</h2>

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Matthew Short, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sikandar Raza, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Nathan Ellis, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Shivam Singh.

PBKS IPL Auction 2024: One of the few teams to have never won an IPL title – Punjab Kings (PBKS) is close to assembling their best-ever squad ahead of the next season.

PBKS IPL Auction 2024: One of the few teams to have never won an IPL title – Punjab Kings (PBKS) is close to assembling their best-ever squad ahead of the next season. Although much like a few top sides like CSK and MI, PBKS also has an almost first XI sorted on paper. The Punjab-based team did its homework to acquire players for required roles. Here is PBKS’ squad and remaining purse after the IPL 2024 mini-auction. Upon releasing only limited-yet-impact players on the retention day, Punjab stunned everyone with their choices. The absence of experienced middle-order players in their line-up hurt them the last time, but the new coaching staff will have better plans under their sleeves ahead of IPL 2024. ALSO READ: LSG IPL Auction 2024 LIVE: Lucknow Super Giants captain, batsmen, bowlers, keepers, remaining purse, squad With limited spin-bowling options in Harpreet Brar and Rahul Chahar, alongside just one swing bowler in Arshdeep Singh, Punjab splurged on players like Harshal Patel, Chris Woakes and Rilee Rossouw. Here is the complete list of Punjab Kings (PBKS) captain, batters, bowlers, wicketkeepers and the remaining purse – Punjab Kings (PBKS) remaining purse after the IPL 2024 mini-auction - INR 4.15 Crore || Slots left - 0 || Overseas slots left – 0 IPL 2024 Purchases - Harshal Patel bought for INR 11.75 crores Chris Woakes bought for INR 4.8 crores Ashutosh Sharma bought for INR 20 lakh Vishwanath Pratap bought for INR 20 lakh Shashank Singh bought for INR 20 lakh Tanay Thyagarajan bought for INR 20 lakh Prince Choudhary bought for INR 20 lakh Rilee Rossouw bought for INR 8 crores PBKS Squad – Shikhar Dhawan (c), Matthew Short, Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sikandar Raza, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Nathan Ellis, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Shivam Singh.

PBKS complete squad 2024: IPL 2024 Auction Punjab Kings players list, captain, batsmen, bowlers, keeper

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has rejoined Punjab Kings (PBKS)&nbsp;backroom staff, this time as the head of cricket development ahead of IPL 2024. Previously, Bangar held the head coach post at Punjab Kings from 2014 to 2016. Bangar will join head coach Trevor Bayliss in the coaching department and be part of the mini-auction scheduled in Dubai on Tuesday (Dec 19).

Speaking on his appointment, Bangar said rejoining the Punjab camp in the IPL is a privilege. Besides, he admitted looking forward to new challenges, including finalising the best possible squad for the upcoming season.

"It's my privilege to be with the Punjab Kings again," Bangar said in a media release. "We have a good core of players as evidenced by the fact that we have the lowest number of players releases this year. The challenge is to give the squad the best support possible during and after the season to make the team stronger and deliver success."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/test-is-big-boys-game-at-the-end-wasim-akrams-cheeky-reply-to-rauf-for-choosing-bbl-over-red-ball-cricket-667640">Test is big boy’s game at the end: Wasim Akram’s cheeky reply to Rauf for choosing BBL over red-ball cricket</a>

Before rejoining Punjab Kings, Bangar worked as the batting consultant for one year (in 2021) at the Royal Challengers Bangalore before overtaking the head coach’s role for the next two seasons.

Working alongside RCB’s director of cricket, Mike Hesson, Bangar helped RCB reach playoffs in two of the three seasons.

The former all-rounder has had a decade-old coaching experience, including working as the batting coach with the Indian men’s team on two occasions. Outside of tasting success with the RCB lately, Bangar helped Punjab reach the final in the 2014 season, where they finished second, losing to Kolkata Knight Riders.&nbsp;

The Punjab Kings released only five players ahead of the mini-auction, with Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksha and India’s Shah Rukh Khan being the top names.&nbsp;

PBKS now have eight slots to fill with a remaining budget of INR 29.1 crores.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has rejoined Punjab Kings (PBKS) backroom staff, this time as the head of cricket development ahead of IPL 2024. Previously, Bangar held the head coach post at Punjab Kings from 2014 to 2016.

Former India cricketer Sanjay Bangar has rejoined Punjab Kings (PBKS) backroom staff, this time as the head of cricket development ahead of IPL 2024. Previously, Bangar held the head coach post at Punjab Kings from 2014 to 2016. Bangar will join head coach Trevor Bayliss in the coaching department and be part of the mini-auction scheduled in Dubai on Tuesday (Dec 19). Speaking on his appointment, Bangar said rejoining the Punjab camp in the IPL is a privilege. Besides, he admitted looking forward to new challenges, including finalising the best possible squad for the upcoming season. "It's my privilege to be with the Punjab Kings again," Bangar said in a media release. "We have a good core of players as evidenced by the fact that we have the lowest number of players releases this year. The challenge is to give the squad the best support possible during and after the season to make the team stronger and deliver success." ALSO READ: Test is big boy’s game at the end: Wasim Akram’s cheeky reply to Rauf for choosing BBL over red-ball cricket Before rejoining Punjab Kings, Bangar worked as the batting consultant for one year (in 2021) at the Royal Challengers Bangalore before overtaking the head coach’s role for the next two seasons. Working alongside RCB’s director of cricket, Mike Hesson, Bangar helped RCB reach playoffs in two of the three seasons. The former all-rounder has had a decade-old coaching experience, including working as the batting coach with the Indian men’s team on two occasions. Outside of tasting success with the RCB lately, Bangar helped Punjab reach the final in the 2014 season, where they finished second, losing to Kolkata Knight Riders. The Punjab Kings released only five players ahead of the mini-auction, with Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksha and India’s Shah Rukh Khan being the top names. PBKS now have eight slots to fill with a remaining budget of INR 29.1 crores.

Sanjay Bangar returns to Punjab Kings backroom staff ahead of IPL 2024

PBKS retained and released List:&nbsp;One of the few franchises to have never won an IPL title, Punjab Kings, have announced their final list of released and retained players ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. The Punjab-based outfit has kept most of its core, including star foreign players like Jonny Bairstow and two match-winners in the shortest format, Liam Livingstone and Sikandar Raza. They, however, have let go of one of the most-talked-about Indian talents in their setup.

Despite having a bumper auction in the lead to the last season, Punjab Kings had a disappointing run, finishing in the bottom half of the points table at the eighth position. Having won just six out of their 14 contested league matches, PBKS failed to leave an impression for the nth time.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2024-auction-full-list-of-players-retained-and-released-by-chennai-super-kings-662827">IPL 2024 Auction - Full list of players retained and released by Chennai Super Kings</a>

However, with fully-fit Bairstow set to play the whole season, alongside a hungrier Shikhar Dhawan at the top, PBKS can hope to turn the tables around this time. Their middle-order looks sorted with few emerging Indian players, while Livingstone and Raza are there to take care of duties later in the innings.

With PBKS retaining Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh, they can bank on their pace department to click in the 17th season. In the spin-bowling section, Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar will again hog the limelight.

PBKS retained and released List - IPL 2024 Auction:

Here is the full list of players released by PBKS ahead of the IPL 2024 mini-auction -&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>Mohit Rathee</li>
	<li>Raj Bawa</li>
	<li>Shahrukh Khan</li>
	<li>Bhanuka Rajapaksa&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Baltej Singh</li>
</ul>

Here is the full list of players retained by PBKS ahead of the IPL 2024 mini-auction –

<ul>
	<li>Shikhar Dhawan (captain)&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Matthew Short</li>
	<li>Prabhsimran Singh (wk)</li>
	<li>Jitesh Sharma (wk)&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Sikandar Raza&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Rishi Dhawan&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Liam Livingstone&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Atharva Taide&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Arshdeep Singh&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Nathan Ellis</li>
	<li>Sam Curran&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Kagiso Rabada&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Harpreet Brar&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Rahul Chahar&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Harpreet Bhatia</li>
	<li>Vidwath Kaverappa&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Shivam Singh</li>
</ul>

Meanwhile, the IPL 2024 mini-auction will be held in Dubai on Tuesday (Dec 19).

PBKS retained and released List: One of the few franchises to have never won an IPL title, Punjab Kings, have announced their final list of released and retained players ahead of the IPL 2024 auction.

PBKS retained and released List: One of the few franchises to have never won an IPL title, Punjab Kings, have announced their final list of released and retained players ahead of the IPL 2024 auction. The Punjab-based outfit has kept most of its core, including star foreign players like Jonny Bairstow and two match-winners in the shortest format, Liam Livingstone and Sikandar Raza. They, however, have let go of one of the most-talked-about Indian talents in their setup. Despite having a bumper auction in the lead to the last season, Punjab Kings had a disappointing run, finishing in the bottom half of the points table at the eighth position. Having won just six out of their 14 contested league matches, PBKS failed to leave an impression for the nth time. ALSO READ: IPL 2024 Auction - Full list of players retained and released by Chennai Super Kings However, with fully-fit Bairstow set to play the whole season, alongside a hungrier Shikhar Dhawan at the top, PBKS can hope to turn the tables around this time. Their middle-order looks sorted with few emerging Indian players, while Livingstone and Raza are there to take care of duties later in the innings. With PBKS retaining Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh, they can bank on their pace department to click in the 17th season. In the spin-bowling section, Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar will again hog the limelight. PBKS retained and released List - IPL 2024 Auction: Here is the full list of players released by PBKS ahead of the IPL 2024 mini-auction - Mohit Rathee Raj Bawa Shahrukh Khan Bhanuka Rajapaksa Baltej Singh Here is the full list of players retained by PBKS ahead of the IPL 2024 mini-auction – Shikhar Dhawan (captain) Matthew Short Prabhsimran Singh (wk) Jitesh Sharma (wk) Sikandar Raza Rishi Dhawan Liam Livingstone Atharva Taide Arshdeep Singh Nathan Ellis Sam Curran Kagiso Rabada Harpreet Brar Rahul Chahar Harpreet Bhatia Vidwath Kaverappa Shivam Singh Meanwhile, the IPL 2024 mini-auction will be held in Dubai on Tuesday (Dec 19).

IPL 2024 Auction: Full list of players released and retained by Punjab Kings

Decoding PBKS' run in IPL 2023: Another season where inconsistency haunted Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings became the third team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 to crash out after losing a thriller against the Rajasthan Royals on May 19th in their last fixture of the season. Kings had a horrible start as they lost four wickets for 50 runs in 6.3 overs after being asked to bat first.

Liam Livingstone was the fourth wicket to fall and on a rather ridiculous shot given the circumstances Kings were in. Former India cricketer Yusuf Pathan, in particular, wasn't pleased with Livingstone's dismissal and his reaction afterwards which included the latter laughing off on getting out.

<h2>How Livingstone got dismissed?</h2>

In the seventh over the innings, bowled by Royals' pacer Navdeep Saini, the Englishman tried to scoop him over the fine leg on the second ball of the over but missed and the ball hit him above the left knee-roll. Livingstone, who was seen limping for a bit after being hit. Nonetheless, the batsman swung his bat wildly on the next ball and missed it completely as the timbers got shattered. Have a look at the video here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Navdeep Saini doesn't miss 🎯<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PBKSvRR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PBKSvRR</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPLonJioCinema?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPLonJioCinema</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TATAIPL?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TATAIPL</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IPL2023?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IPL2023</a> <a href="https://t.co/QosEBqIkrB">pic.twitter.com/QosEBqIkrB</a>
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) <a href="https://twitter.com/JioCinema/status/1659577642339926018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>What irked Yusuf Pathan?</h2>

After being dismissed, Livingstone had a smile on his face and that the reaction didn't please Pathan one bit. The former India cricketer, while commentating, said, "If were coach, captain or mentor of the Punjab Kings and you laugh after getting out that sort of shot then we'll never pick you again." Pathan's fellow commentator and former teammate Harbhajan Singh agreed to the thought.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/michael-vaughan-set-for-bbc-return-after-being-cleared-over-racism-claim-594236">Michael Vaughan set for BBC return after being cleared over racism claim</a>

<h2>How did the match unfold?</h2>

Punjab, however, recovered well despite early wickets and posted a competitive total of 187/5, thanks to Jitesh Sharma (44 off 28), Sam Curran (not out 49 off 31) and M Shahrukh Khan (unbeaten 41 off 23).

Rajasthan, in reply, also lost early wickets but their left-hand trio of Devdutt Padikkal (51 off 30), Yashasvi Jaiswal (50 off 36) and Shimron Hetmyer (46 off 28) helped them take closer to the target with Dhruv Jurel hit a last-over six to seal a win.

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Punjab Kings became the third team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 to crash out after losing a thriller against the Rajasthan Royals on May 19th in their last fixture of the season.

Punjab Kings became the third team in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 to crash out after losing a thriller against the Rajasthan Royals on May 19th in their last fixture of the season. Kings had a horrible start as they lost four wickets for 50 runs in 6.3 overs after being asked to bat first. Liam Livingstone was the fourth wicket to fall and on a rather ridiculous shot given the circumstances Kings were in. Former India cricketer Yusuf Pathan, in particular, wasn't pleased with Livingstone's dismissal and his reaction afterwards which included the latter laughing off on getting out. How Livingstone got dismissed? In the seventh over the innings, bowled by Royals' pacer Navdeep Saini, the Englishman tried to scoop him over the fine leg on the second ball of the over but missed and the ball hit him above the left knee-roll. Livingstone, who was seen limping for a bit after being hit. Nonetheless, the batsman swung his bat wildly on the next ball and missed it completely as the timbers got shattered. Have a look at the video here: Navdeep Saini doesn't miss 🎯#PBKSvRR #IPLonJioCinema #TATAIPL #IPL2023 pic.twitter.com/QosEBqIkrB — JioCinema (@JioCinema) May 19, 2023 × What irked Yusuf Pathan? After being dismissed, Livingstone had a smile on his face and that the reaction didn't please Pathan one bit. The former India cricketer, while commentating, said, "If were coach, captain or mentor of the Punjab Kings and you laugh after getting out that sort of shot then we'll never pick you again." Pathan's fellow commentator and former teammate Harbhajan Singh agreed to the thought. Also Read: Michael Vaughan set for BBC return after being cleared over racism claim How did the match unfold? Punjab, however, recovered well despite early wickets and posted a competitive total of 187/5, thanks to Jitesh Sharma (44 off 28), Sam Curran (not out 49 off 31) and M Shahrukh Khan (unbeaten 41 off 23). Rajasthan, in reply, also lost early wickets but their left-hand trio of Devdutt Padikkal (51 off 30), Yashasvi Jaiswal (50 off 36) and Shimron Hetmyer (46 off 28) helped them take closer to the target with Dhruv Jurel hit a last-over six to seal a win. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IPL 2023: Yusuf Pathan lashes out at Punjab Kings' Liam Livingstone for laughing after being out vs Royals

Punjab Kings (PBKS) moved closer to an early elimination in IPL 2023 with their loss to Delhi Capitals (DC) in match 64 on Wednesday (May 17), in Dharamshala. Opting to bowl first, Shikhar Dhawan &amp; Co. left many surprised with their bizarre tactics as they underbowled ace pacer Arshdeep Singh and brought off-spinner Harpreet Brar to bowl the final over.

Arshdeep, Punjab's leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps this season (10th overall), has been expensive with the ball but remains one of the key bowlers for Dhawan &amp; Co. He came into the attack in the fifth over and bowled only one more over in the game versus DC (ending with 2-0-21-0). His underutilisation shocked many and former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra questioned PBKS team management for their usage of Arshdeep.

"Arshdeep started this tournament with being in the race for the purple cap...he’s not bowling with the new ball anymore. Isn’t bowling in the death either. And it’s not about the captaincy, I feel. The team management at PBKS should explain why and how Arshdeep has been marginalised," Chopra wrote on Twitter.

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Arshdeep started this tournament with being in the race for the purple cap…he’s not bowling with the new ball anymore. Isn’t bowling in the death either. And it’s not about the captaincy, I feel. The team management at PBKS should explain why and how Arshdeep has been…
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketaakash/status/1658897679785791488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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At the post-match presentation, Dhawan said, "It was frustrating. But we didn't bowl well in the first six overs. We should have taken a couple of wickets with the way the pitch was behaving. With the no ball, we believed but credit to Liam for the way he played. I feel my decision to bowl spinner the last over was wrong and it shifted the momentum towards them. The pacers didn't bowl full enough. We need to bowl in the right areas on these kinds of surfaces and it is hurting us."

Dhawan, however, didn't touch the topic of Arshdeep. PBKS remain in the playoffs race but by the barest of margins. They need to win their remaining game, versus Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Dharamshala on Friday (May 19), and need other results to also favour them.

&nbsp;

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Punjab Kings (PBKS) moved closer to an early elimination in IPL 2023 with their loss to Delhi Capitals (DC) in match 64 on Wednesday (May 17), in Dharamshala. Opting to bowl first, Shikhar Dhawan & Co.

Punjab Kings (PBKS) moved closer to an early elimination in IPL 2023 with their loss to Delhi Capitals (DC) in match 64 on Wednesday (May 17), in Dharamshala. Opting to bowl first, Shikhar Dhawan & Co. left many surprised with their bizarre tactics as they underbowled ace pacer Arshdeep Singh and brought off-spinner Harpreet Brar to bowl the final over. Arshdeep, Punjab's leading wicket-taker with 16 scalps this season (10th overall), has been expensive with the ball but remains one of the key bowlers for Dhawan & Co. He came into the attack in the fifth over and bowled only one more over in the game versus DC (ending with 2-0-21-0). His underutilisation shocked many and former Indian opener-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra questioned PBKS team management for their usage of Arshdeep. "Arshdeep started this tournament with being in the race for the purple cap...he’s not bowling with the new ball anymore. Isn’t bowling in the death either. And it’s not about the captaincy, I feel. The team management at PBKS should explain why and how Arshdeep has been marginalised," Chopra wrote on Twitter. Arshdeep started this tournament with being in the race for the purple cap…he’s not bowling with the new ball anymore. Isn’t bowling in the death either. And it’s not about the captaincy, I feel. The team management at PBKS should explain why and how Arshdeep has been… — Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 17, 2023 × Also Read: 'He trusted his...': KL Rahul decodes legendary captain MS Dhoni's success At the post-match presentation, Dhawan said, "It was frustrating. But we didn't bowl well in the first six overs. We should have taken a couple of wickets with the way the pitch was behaving. With the no ball, we believed but credit to Liam for the way he played. I feel my decision to bowl spinner the last over was wrong and it shifted the momentum towards them. The pacers didn't bowl full enough. We need to bowl in the right areas on these kinds of surfaces and it is hurting us." Dhawan, however, didn't touch the topic of Arshdeep. PBKS remain in the playoffs race but by the barest of margins. They need to win their remaining game, versus Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Dharamshala on Friday (May 19), and need other results to also favour them. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

'PBKS should explain why Arshdeep Singh...': Aakash Chopra questions strategy after loss to DC

The IPL 2023 edition has been a huge hit. Every year, the league stage goes down to the wire. Often,&nbsp;teams are seen fighting hard for one, or more, remaining playoffs spots till the last day of the league games. This year, the defending champions, Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT), remain the only side to have booked a slot in the playoffs, having ensured a top-two finish as well. However,&nbsp;as many as seven franchises remain in the fray to end with the remaining three spots with only four days left in the league stage.

To date, Delhi Capitals (DC) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) remain the only two teams out of this year's edition. So far, 64 out of the 70 league games have been done and dusted -- i.e. 91.42% -- but Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Royal Challengers Bangalore&nbsp;(RCB), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and&nbsp;Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are still competing to enter the&nbsp;last four.

On Wednesday (May 17), David Warner-led DC franchise defeated PBKS by 15 runs, in match 64, to not only take Shikhar Dhawan &amp; Co. closer to early elimination but further complicate the playoffs race.

Here's what remaining seven teams have to do to grab the&nbsp;three available playoff tickets and join Hardik-led GT -

Chennai Super Kings: MS Dhoni's Yellow Army will confirm a place in the last four with a win over DC in their last league game on Saturday (May 20) in New Delhi. They can even progress ahead without adding to their points tally (15) if&nbsp;RCB or MI lose at least one of their remaining games.

Lucknow Super Giants:&nbsp;Krunal Pandya's LSG won a crucial home game, on Tuesday (May 17), versus MI. Thus, they are also in a safe position compared to other teams. A win will confirm a playoff berth for them and they can even go ahead with a loss but will need MI or RCB to lose one game, at least.&nbsp;

Mumbai Indians: The five-time champions will secure a berth in the last four with a win over&nbsp;SRH in their last match and if RCB lose at least one of their last two league fixtures.

Royal Challengers Bangalore: The Virat Kohli-starrer RCB can go ahead with wins in their remaining two games. If the three-time runners-up lose one, it will help CSK and LSG -- as stated above -- but the Bengaluru-based team will have to depend on how MI, KKR, RR, and PBKS fare in their last match. As of now, they have a healthy Net Run Rate (NRR) than MI, RR, KKR and PBKS at +0.166.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-delhi-capitals-hurt-punjab-kings-play-off-chances-with-15-run-win-593421">IPL 2023: Delhi Capitals hurt Punjab Kings' playoff chances with 15-run win</a>

Rajasthan Royals: The Sanju Samson-led Royals have certainly lost the plot after a brilliant start (with four wins from their first five fixtures). They are left with one more game, versus PBKS on Friday (May 19) in Dharamshala. If they earn a massive victory and MI, RCB and KKR lose their remaining games, they can still enter the playoffs.

Kolkata Knight Riders: The two-time winners still have an outside chance to feature in the last four. If they get the better of LSG by a handsome margin, they can move past MI and then hope for MI and RCB to&nbsp;lose&nbsp;their remaining encounters. Their journey to the playoffs is more complicated as they will still have to rely on the outcome of the PBKS-RR face-off. For Rana &amp; Co.'s progression, they will pray for Punjab's close win over the Royals or for the game to end in a draw.&nbsp;

Punjab Kings:&nbsp;Punjab have made life much difficult for them with a loss to Warner &amp; Co. in Dharamshala. They, however, remain alive in the playoffs race by the barest of margins. They need to beat RR convincingly and hope for the likes of&nbsp;MI, RCB, and KKR to concede their remaining games.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/explained-from-powerplay-basher-to-able-enforcer-yashasvi-jaiswals-ipl-2023-success-decoded-593313">Explained: From powerplay basher to able enforcer! Yashasvi Jaiswal's IPL 2023 success decoded</a>

If this happens, MI and PBKS will end at 14 points each whereas&nbsp;RCB, KKR, and RR will finish&nbsp;dozen points apiece. Thus, NRR will come into play between Mumbai and Punjab for one to join the playoffs.&nbsp;

Currently, GT are set to play the Qualifier 1, in Chennai. The likes of CSK and Lucknow have a great chance to join the last four whereas one among MI and RCB is likely to make the cut as well. Nonetheless, IPL 2023 has pulled off some big surprises already and, hence, anything is possible in the remaining four days of the league games.

On Thursday (May 18), the Faf du Plessis-led Bengaluru franchise will lock horns with the bottom-ranked SRH in Hyderabad in match 65.

Needless to say, all other teams will also have an eye on the encounter.

&nbsp;

The IPL 2023 edition has been a huge hit. Every year, the league stage goes down to the wire. Often, teams are seen fighting hard for one, or more, remaining playoffs spots till the last day of the league games.

The IPL 2023 edition has been a huge hit. Every year, the league stage goes down to the wire. Often, teams are seen fighting hard for one, or more, remaining playoffs spots till the last day of the league games. This year, the defending champions, Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans (GT), remain the only side to have booked a slot in the playoffs, having ensured a top-two finish as well. However, as many as seven franchises remain in the fray to end with the remaining three spots with only four days left in the league stage. To date, Delhi Capitals (DC) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) remain the only two teams out of this year's edition. So far, 64 out of the 70 league games have been done and dusted -- i.e. 91.42% -- but Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mumbai Indians (MI), Rajasthan Royals (RR), Punjab Kings (PBKS), Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are still competing to enter the last four. On Wednesday (May 17), David Warner-led DC franchise defeated PBKS by 15 runs, in match 64, to not only take Shikhar Dhawan & Co. closer to early elimination but further complicate the playoffs race. Here's what remaining seven teams have to do to grab the three available playoff tickets and join Hardik-led GT - Chennai Super Kings: MS Dhoni's Yellow Army will confirm a place in the last four with a win over DC in their last league game on Saturday (May 20) in New Delhi. They can even progress ahead without adding to their points tally (15) if RCB or MI lose at least one of their remaining games. Lucknow Super Giants: Krunal Pandya's LSG won a crucial home game, on Tuesday (May 17), versus MI. Thus, they are also in a safe position compared to other teams. A win will confirm a playoff berth for them and they can even go ahead with a loss but will need MI or RCB to lose one game, at least. Mumbai Indians: The five-time champions will secure a berth in the last four with a win over SRH in their last match and if RCB lose at least one of their last two league fixtures. Royal Challengers Bangalore: The Virat Kohli-starrer RCB can go ahead with wins in their remaining two games. If the three-time runners-up lose one, it will help CSK and LSG -- as stated above -- but the Bengaluru-based team will have to depend on how MI, KKR, RR, and PBKS fare in their last match. As of now, they have a healthy Net Run Rate (NRR) than MI, RR, KKR and PBKS at +0.166. Also Read: IPL 2023: Delhi Capitals hurt Punjab Kings' playoff chances with 15-run win Rajasthan Royals: The Sanju Samson-led Royals have certainly lost the plot after a brilliant start (with four wins from their first five fixtures). They are left with one more game, versus PBKS on Friday (May 19) in Dharamshala. If they earn a massive victory and MI, RCB and KKR lose their remaining games, they can still enter the playoffs. Kolkata Knight Riders: The two-time winners still have an outside chance to feature in the last four. If they get the better of LSG by a handsome margin, they can move past MI and then hope for MI and RCB to lose their remaining encounters. Their journey to the playoffs is more complicated as they will still have to rely on the outcome of the PBKS-RR face-off. For Rana & Co.'s progression, they will pray for Punjab's close win over the Royals or for the game to end in a draw. Punjab Kings: Punjab have made life much difficult for them with a loss to Warner & Co. in Dharamshala. They, however, remain alive in the playoffs race by the barest of margins. They need to beat RR convincingly and hope for the likes of MI, RCB, and KKR to concede their remaining games. Also Read: Explained: From powerplay basher to able enforcer! Yashasvi Jaiswal's IPL 2023 success decoded If this happens, MI and PBKS will end at 14 points each whereas RCB, KKR, and RR will finish dozen points apiece. Thus, NRR will come into play between Mumbai and Punjab for one to join the playoffs. Currently, GT are set to play the Qualifier 1, in Chennai. The likes of CSK and Lucknow have a great chance to join the last four whereas one among MI and RCB is likely to make the cut as well. Nonetheless, IPL 2023 has pulled off some big surprises already and, hence, anything is possible in the remaining four days of the league games. On Thursday (May 18), the Faf du Plessis-led Bengaluru franchise will lock horns with the bottom-ranked SRH in Hyderabad in match 65. Needless to say, all other teams will also have an eye on the encounter.

EXPLAINED: IPL 2023 - Playoffs qualification chances of 7 teams for remaining 3 spots

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag praised Punjab Kings batsman Prabhsimran Singh after the latter hit his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) century in match 59 against Delhi Capitals. Sehwag, while giving credit to Prabhsimran, also took a shot at PBKS all-rounder Sam Curran for not living up to the expectations of his price tag this season.

Talking to sports website Cricbuzz, Sehwag opined, "Punjab Kings have benefitted from the chances that they've given to Prabhsimran. Now, he has to be consistent. And I think the PBKS will benefit a lot from such a player. When he came for the first time, he was bought for a lot of money (INR 4.8 crore). This time around, he fetched quite less (INR 60 lakh). But he proved his talent today (match day).

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-lsg-fielding-coach-jonty-rhodes-says-crowd-threw-nuts-and-bolts-vs-srh-which-hit-prerak-mankad-592206">LSG fielding coach Jonty Rhodes says crowd threw 'nuts and bolts' vs SRH which hit Prerak Mankad</a>

"He showed that he can hit those centuries. Again, he was bought for INR 60 lakh, and if a player fetching that much scores hundreds and wins you a couple of games, there can be nothing better than that. You bought Sam Curran for 18.5 crores, what has he done?" the former batsman said about Sam Curran.

Notably, Curran is the most expensive buy ever at the Indian Premier League after being sold for INR 18.5 crores at the auction before the ongoing season. The Englishman, however, has scored only 216 runs in 12 matches so far at an average of 24 and a strike rate of 129.34.

In terms of bowling, the left-hander has taken only seven wickets this season, his worst in IPL so far. Prabhsimran, who plays as a specialist batter only, on the other hand, is having best season in IPL. The batsman has scored 334 runs in 12 matches so far at a strike rate of 157.92. He has also managed to hit one fifty and one hundred in the season so far.

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Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag praised Punjab Kings batsman Prabhsimran Singh after the latter hit his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) century in match 59 against Delhi Capitals.

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag praised Punjab Kings batsman Prabhsimran Singh after the latter hit his maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) century in match 59 against Delhi Capitals. Sehwag, while giving credit to Prabhsimran, also took a shot at PBKS all-rounder Sam Curran for not living up to the expectations of his price tag this season. Talking to sports website Cricbuzz, Sehwag opined, "Punjab Kings have benefitted from the chances that they've given to Prabhsimran. Now, he has to be consistent. And I think the PBKS will benefit a lot from such a player. When he came for the first time, he was bought for a lot of money (INR 4.8 crore). This time around, he fetched quite less (INR 60 lakh). But he proved his talent today (match day). Also Read: LSG fielding coach Jonty Rhodes says crowd threw 'nuts and bolts' vs SRH which hit Prerak Mankad "He showed that he can hit those centuries. Again, he was bought for INR 60 lakh, and if a player fetching that much scores hundreds and wins you a couple of games, there can be nothing better than that. You bought Sam Curran for 18.5 crores, what has he done?" the former batsman said about Sam Curran. Notably, Curran is the most expensive buy ever at the Indian Premier League after being sold for INR 18.5 crores at the auction before the ongoing season. The Englishman, however, has scored only 216 runs in 12 matches so far at an average of 24 and a strike rate of 129.34. In terms of bowling, the left-hander has taken only seven wickets this season, his worst in IPL so far. Prabhsimran, who plays as a specialist batter only, on the other hand, is having best season in IPL. The batsman has scored 334 runs in 12 matches so far at a strike rate of 157.92. He has also managed to hit one fifty and one hundred in the season so far. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IPL 2023: Virender Sehwag lauds PBKS batter Prabhsimran after his ton vs DC, takes dig at 'pricey' Sam Curran

Former India batsman Suresh Raina thinks that Punjab Kings' wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma could be a great middle-order player. Raina, who played for Chennai Super Kings during his time in the Indian Premier League (IPL), also said that he's sure that selectors will look at Jitesh Sharma again.

Notably, Jitesh had been selected for Team India in limited-overs cricket but didn't get a chance to make his debut.&nbsp;

Answering a question by media outlet Hindustan Times during a press interaction session, Raina opined, "He's playing brilliantly in the middle-order so far. He's played some important cameos. He's an aggressive player, he had already been a part of the Indian team but yes, he can be a great middle-order player. His wicketkeeping skills are good. He's really impressed everyone with the way he's batting. I'm sure the selectors would look at him again. His hitting abilities are really good, and you will see him a lot more in the future.”&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-sunil-gavaskar-terms-suryakumar-yadavs-innings-vs-rcb-as-gully-cricket-590977">Sunil Gavaskar terms Suryakumar Yadav's innings vs RCB as 'Gully Cricket'</a>

Jitesh was with Mumbai Indians before but didn't get a chance to play in their star-studded line-up. Punjab Kings then nabbed the talented youngster on the back of a strong domestic season and he has been sublime ever since he made his debut for them in 2022.

In the 2022 season, Jitesh played 12 matches and scored 234 runs at an average of 29.25 with a whooping strike rate of 163.64. This season, Jitesh has already scored 260 runs in 11 matches so far at an average of 26 and a sky-high strike rate of 160.49.

A lot of former cricketers have been impressed with Jitesh's ability to hit big shots from ball one and that too under pressure situations. Jitesh, along with other uncapped players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ayush Badoni and Nehal Wadhera, has become one of the mainstays of his IPL team on the back of consistently strong performances.

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Former India batsman Suresh Raina thinks that Punjab Kings' wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma could be a great middle-order player. Raina, who played for Chennai Super Kings during his time in the Indian Premier League (IPL), also said that he's sure that selectors will look at Jitesh Sharma again.

Former India batsman Suresh Raina thinks that Punjab Kings' wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma could be a great middle-order player. Raina, who played for Chennai Super Kings during his time in the Indian Premier League (IPL), also said that he's sure that selectors will look at Jitesh Sharma again. Notably, Jitesh had been selected for Team India in limited-overs cricket but didn't get a chance to make his debut. Answering a question by media outlet Hindustan Times during a press interaction session, Raina opined, "He's playing brilliantly in the middle-order so far. He's played some important cameos. He's an aggressive player, he had already been a part of the Indian team but yes, he can be a great middle-order player. His wicketkeeping skills are good. He's really impressed everyone with the way he's batting. I'm sure the selectors would look at him again. His hitting abilities are really good, and you will see him a lot more in the future.” Also Read: Sunil Gavaskar terms Suryakumar Yadav's innings vs RCB as 'Gully Cricket' Jitesh was with Mumbai Indians before but didn't get a chance to play in their star-studded line-up. Punjab Kings then nabbed the talented youngster on the back of a strong domestic season and he has been sublime ever since he made his debut for them in 2022. In the 2022 season, Jitesh played 12 matches and scored 234 runs at an average of 29.25 with a whooping strike rate of 163.64. This season, Jitesh has already scored 260 runs in 11 matches so far at an average of 26 and a sky-high strike rate of 160.49. A lot of former cricketers have been impressed with Jitesh's ability to hit big shots from ball one and that too under pressure situations. Jitesh, along with other uncapped players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Ayush Badoni and Nehal Wadhera, has become one of the mainstays of his IPL team on the back of consistently strong performances. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

IPL 2023: Suresh Raina predicts great future for young Punjab Kings STAR

Match 53 of the IPL 2023 edition saw the two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Monday evening (May 08). Opting to bat first, Shikhar Dhawan &amp; Co. rode on the captain's 47-ball 57 and cameos from Harpreet Brar, Jitesh Sharma and Shahrukh Khan to post 179/7.

In reply, Nitish Rana's KKR started well courtesy of Jason Roy's 24-ball 38 and were kept in the hunt courtesy of the skipper's 38-ball 51 before the finishing acts provided by Rinku Singh (21* off 10) and Andre Russell's 23-ball 42. With this win, KKR remain alive in the playoffs race and join as many as four more teams with ten points each.

Here's a look at the updated IPL 2023 points table after KKR beat PBKS:

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2023-rohit-sharmas-struggle-with-the-bat-is-virender-sehwag-opines-on-mi-skippers-form-590574">IPL 2023: 'Rohit Sharma's struggle with the bat is...' - Virender Sehwag opines on MI skipper's form</a>

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Defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) remain atop followed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) but there are many teams with ten points apiece whereas the bottom-two sides -- with eight points each -- are also not out of contention for the playoffs spot.

At the post-match presentation, Player-of-the-Match Russell&nbsp;said, "We already thought about it, the ball was gripping so we just wanted to stick it out. They miss their lengths and we could swing it around. Needing 30 off the final two, it was very gettable. I flicked one into the stands without really swinging at it. And that six over point put the icing on the cake. I wanted to finish the game off, but we have a finisher this year in Rinku. (On Rinku) He had told me what if the ball beats you, should we go for the run? I said for sure, I have faith in him to finish it last ball."

Match 53 of the IPL 2023 edition saw the two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Monday evening (May 08).

Match 53 of the IPL 2023 edition saw the two-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the iconic Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Monday evening (May 08). Opting to bat first, Shikhar Dhawan & Co. rode on the captain's 47-ball 57 and cameos from Harpreet Brar, Jitesh Sharma and Shahrukh Khan to post 179/7. In reply, Nitish Rana's KKR started well courtesy of Jason Roy's 24-ball 38 and were kept in the hunt courtesy of the skipper's 38-ball 51 before the finishing acts provided by Rinku Singh (21* off 10) and Andre Russell's 23-ball 42. With this win, KKR remain alive in the playoffs race and join as many as four more teams with ten points each. Here's a look at the updated IPL 2023 points table after KKR beat PBKS: Also Read: IPL 2023: 'Rohit Sharma's struggle with the bat is...' - Virender Sehwag opines on MI skipper's form Defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) remain atop followed by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) but there are many teams with ten points apiece whereas the bottom-two sides -- with eight points each -- are also not out of contention for the playoffs spot. At the post-match presentation, Player-of-the-Match Russell said, "We already thought about it, the ball was gripping so we just wanted to stick it out. They miss their lengths and we could swing it around. Needing 30 off the final two, it was very gettable. I flicked one into the stands without really swinging at it. And that six over point put the icing on the cake. I wanted to finish the game off, but we have a finisher this year in Rinku. (On Rinku) He had told me what if the ball beats you, should we go for the run? I said for sure, I have faith in him to finish it last ball."

IPL 2023: Updated points table as KKR enter 10-point logjam after last-ball win over PBKS

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