The Punjab Kings (PBKS) will look to better their sixth position in the previous edition of the Indian Premier League, when they begin their IPL 2023 campaign on April 1 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their home of Mohali.
The PBKS management made quite a few changes to their squad as they released Mayank Agarwal after a poor outing with the bat last season and handed the captaincy reins to Shikhar Dhawan for the IPL 2023.
They were also dealt a huge blow as Jonny Bairstow was declined a NOC from England board as he recovers from his broken leg. In the IPL 2023 auction, PBKS bought Sam Curran for INR 18.50 crores and Sikandar Raza for INR 50 lakhs.
Keeping this in mind, here is the COC predicted best playing XI for Punjab Kings (PBKS).
Shikhar Dhawan will be leading the PBKS side from the front as he opens the innings, but with Jonny Bairstow out of action, the team management would want to find a new partner for him and amongst the Indian contingent, they have the options of Prabhsimran Singh and Atharva Taide.
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The middle order is where PBKS shines with Bhanuka Rajapaksa at no.3, a fit Liam Livingstone at no.4, and Shahrukh Khan, who would want to prove himself at no.5.
Given that their spin department is a bit short in firepower, PBKS might also want to replace a player with Sikandar Raza, who gives them finishing power and an extra spinner. Rahul Chahar is expected to be the main spinner on the side.
Jitesh Sharma, who impressed everyone with his explosive batting abilities and glovework, and got into the India squad as well, would want to shine even more and become a viable option for the Men in Blue.
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Sam Curran returns to PBKS camp, the franchise with whom he had made his IPL debut, and will add to its strength. For their Indian all-rounder spot, they can go for Rishi Dhawan, and Raj Bawa as the pace bowling all-rounders, while Harpreet Brar for a spin option.
Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh are expected to be the main fast bowlers for the Punjab Kings while they have Nathan Ellis to choose from as well.
COC Predicted best playing XI for Punjab Kings (PBKS):
Shikhar Dhawan (C), Atharva Taide, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Liam Livingstone, Shahrukh Khan, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Sam Curran, Rishi Dhawan, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Rahul Chahar
