IPL 2024: Predicting Punjab Kings’ Playing XI for their clash against Kolkata Knight Riders

The beleaguered Punjab Kings find themselves staring down a do-or-die clash against the in-form Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens. Currently languishing at the second-last position on the points table, defeat against KKR could all but extinguish their already flickering playoff hopes. The Kings’ campaign so far has been a study in inconsistency. Brief bursts of brilliance have been overshadowed by inexplicable losses, often by razor-thin margins. They certainly need to get their act together at the earliest if they want to remain in contention.

Here, we look at their probable playing XI for the game.

Shikhar Dhawan

At the top of the order will be the team’s captain, Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan missed the last few games due to an injury but he should be back in action against KKR. Dhawan has got a couple of starts but hasn’t made a big score so far this season. His strike rate of 125.62 is not ideal either and hence, he needs to make huge improvements.

Prabhsimran Singh

Prabhsimran has also looked in poor form this season. He got a start in the previous game before throwing his wicket away. He needs to make the most of the upcoming opportunity as the axe might not be too far now.

Rilee Rossouw

Rilee Rossouw came into the side at the expense of Jonny Bairstow but he has not looked in good touch either. He has failed in a couple of games and given how PBKS operates, he will not get too many more chances to express himself.

Liam Livingstone

As has been the case with him for a long time now, Liam Livingstone has been inconsistent this season as well. He has not been in great touch and that has hampered PBKS’ progress. He needs to fire soon if Punjab are to fight for a spot in top four.

Sam Curran

There seems to be no clarity with regard to Sam Curran’s role in the Punjab side. He has been used as an opener in the last few games and that has turned out to be a huge failure. His form as a bowler has also been extremely inconsistent which is not helping Punjab’s cause. He needs to deliver a strong performance for the team at the earliest.

Shashank Singh

Shashank Singh has been one of the few bright spots for Punjab in this year’s season. He has been arguably the best player. He has been in red-hot form and PBKS need to make sure that he gets to face as many deliveries as possible.

Jitesh Sharma

Jitesh Sharma had a nightmare from the season. The young man who was touted as India’s wicketkeeper-batsman before the season has slumped badly. His shot selection hasn’t been good all season. With the crucial KKR clash looming, Punjab desperately need Sharma to rediscover his touch.

Ashutosh Sharma

Ashutosh Sharma has been an unlikely hero for the Kings. The rookie emerged as a bright spot in Punjab’s otherwise gloomy season. His fearless hitting, even against world-class bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, has impressed experts. Ashutosh will be looking to continue his rampage and power Punjab to victory against KKR.

Harpreet Brar

Harpreet Brar has been silent but deadly. Overshadowed by the struggles of his teammates, Brar has quietly been one of Punjab’s unsung heroes. His left-arm spin has been a thorn in the side of opposition batsmen. He’s been economical, stifling run flow in the middle overs and picking up key wickets at crucial junctures. In a team desperately seeking consistency, Brar has been a dependable force.

Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada hasn’t quite hit his stride this IPL. While his pace remains menacing, wickets haven’t flowed as freely. Inconsistency has plagued Rabada. He’s had spells of brilliance but hasn’t been able to consistently dismantle opposition batting lineups.

Harshal Patel

Harshal Patel, the Punjab Kings pacer has shouldered a lot of criticism for leaking runs. However, there have been signs of a resurgence in the last couple of games. It seems like he has found his wicket-taking touch as well. It remains to be seen if Patel continues his upward trajectory against KKR.

Impact Substitute: Arshdeep Singh

The young left-arm pacer has been a source of frustration for Punjab Kings this IPL. Glimpses of brilliance, like his recent four-wicket haul, have been overshadowed by stretches of inconsistency. He can swing the new ball beautifully but can also go wicketless and expensive. Punjab desperately need Arshdeep to find his rhythm. His ability to take early wickets and contain runs in the death overs is crucial for their playoff push.