Shikhar Dhawan has been named the captain of the Punjab Kings franchise for IPL 2023. The star Indian batter was bought by the PBKS franchise for Rs 8.25 Crore and did a decent job with 460 runs from 14 matches (14 innings) with 3 half-centuries to his name.
Despite Shikhar Dhawan performing well as a batter, the Punjab Kings franchise struggled after a great start to the tournament. Mayank Agarwal was named the captain but could not provide any spark with his captaincy in the later stages of the tournament.
Punjab Kings finished sixth in the points table with 7 wins but could not progress into the top 4 stages. They would be looking to perform much better in the upcoming season and hope to win their maiden IPL trophy.
Here we look at the 3 players who could become captain instead of Shikhar Dhawan for the Punjab Kings.
#1 Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow was in great form during IPL 2022. He performed well with the bat opening the bat putting enough pressure on the opposition bowlers with explosive batting. Bairstow hammered 253 runs from 11 matches (11 innings) with 2 half-centuries to his name.
Bairstow can change the course of the game with his power-hitting. He smashed a quickfire 66 runs in quick time against Royal Challengers Bangalore and helped PBKS post a big total. The explosive right-handed batter from England could be an ideal option as he was a part of the Test team that won matches against New Zealand, India, and South Africa in the home series.
Bairstow is struggling with injury and was ruled out of the T20 World Cup. He could be an ideal option as he can destroy the bowlers and rotate bowlers.
#2 Kagiso Rabada
Kagiso Rabada is one of the best fast bowlers in modern-day cricket. He was bought by the Punjab Kings franchise for Rs 9.25 Crore. The South African speed gun performed brilliantly during IPL 2022 for PBKS with 23 wickets from 13 matches at an economy of 8.46 runs per over. During last year’s tournament, he picked up 4 wickets in a match twice and kept PBKS on course.
The Punjab Kings franchise would be looking for a better option than Shikhar Dhawan. Rabada could be an ideal choice and can become the captain if the PBKS franchise decides to retain him for IPL 2023.
He has the experience of bowling in the first six overs and also does well in death overs. Punjab Kings would be hopeful if Rabada becomes captain, he can create an impact overall by handling the marquee players.
#3 Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone is a hard-hitting batter that can change the course of the game. He was bought by the Punjab Kings franchise during IPL 2022 auction for Rs 11.50 Crore. His performance during IPL 2022 was standout with 437 runs from 14 matches (14 innings) including 4 half-centuries.
Livingstone created an impact with his power-hitting and helped Punjab Kings win matches on his own. He was a useful part-time spinner who bowls decent overs making life tough for opponent batters.
Punjab Kings could retain him for IPL 2023 season. He would be an ideal option as he is useful with both bat and ball. Liam Livingstone does well for the England team in the T20 format and can create an impact with his captaincy for PBKS.
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