The Punjab franchise has consistently aspired for glory in the Indian T20 League but is yet to claim the coveted title. Their journey in the 2023 season did not meet expectations, prompting an overhaul of their squad. Aimed at reversing their fortunes, Punjab approached the 2024 auction with a determined plan to bolster their team by filling in the gaps.
Leading their high-profile signings, Punjab secured Harshal Patel to strengthen their bowling lineup. The team also brought in the experienced batsman Rilee Rossouw alongside the addition of all-rounder Chris Woakes. Complementing these seasoned players, Punjab invested in the future by incorporating promising talents such as Ashutosh Sharma, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Shashank Singh, Tanay Thyagarajann, and Prince Choudhary into their squad.
At FanCraze, we take a look at Punjab’s probable playing XI for the 2024 edition:
Shikhar Dhawan (C)
Leading Punjab with both his experience and skills, Shikhar Dhawan remains a force to be reckoned with at the top of the order. Despite a hiatus after the 2023 season, his tally of 373 runs in the last edition at a strike rate of 142.91 underlines his capability. Dhawan's return to the field after nearly a year will be closely watched, as he aims to guide Punjab to its first title.
Jonny Bairstow/ Matthew Short
Returning from an injury that sidelined him in 2023, Jonny Bairstow is set to reignite his partnership with Dhawan as Punjab's opener. Despite a challenging 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, Bairstow's track record and expertise bring much-needed stability and firepower to the top, with Punjab banking on his recovery and form to kickstart their campaign on a high note.
Should Bairstow's return to the Punjab lineup not yield the desired results, Matthew Short stands ready as a formidable backup option. Short, known for his powerful striking, can seamlessly slot into the opening or top-order roles, providing Punjab with a dynamic batting alternative. His ability to anchor the innings or accelerate scoring along with his occasional off-spin, offers the team flexibility and depth.
Prabhsimran Singh
After a commendable 2023 season with 358 runs at a brisk pace, Prabhsimran Singh's role may shift due to Bairstow's return. His recent domestic form, including scoring 255 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, cements his place in the middle order as he has the potential to impact the game from any position.
Liam Livingstone
A powerhouse of talent, Liam Livingstone has been an indispensable part of Punjab, amassing 716 runs over two seasons at a blistering strike rate of 174.20. Known for his explosive batting, Livingstone's aggressive approach will once again be crucial for Punjab as they look to dominate the 2024 season.
Jitesh Sharma (WK)
The dynamic wicketkeeper-batter, Jitesh Sharma will continue to don the gloves for Punjab. With 309 runs at a strike rate of 156.06 last season, Sharma not only secured his place but also earned his stripes in the international arena. His performance behind the stumps and with the bat will be vital for Punjab's ambitions.
Sam Curran
Despite a less than stellar 2023 season after becoming the auction's top pick, Sam Curran remains a key all-rounder for Punjab. With 10 wickets and 276 runs, his all-around capabilities are undeniable. Curran is set for redemption as he looks to showcase the talent and balance he brings to the team.
Harpreet Brar/ Rishi Dhawan
A consistent performer since 2019, Harpreet Brar's spin will be vital for Punjab's bowling strategy. With 18 wickets in his league career and a solid performance in the domestic circuit, Brar's economical left-arm spin will be crucial for Punjab, especially in complementing the leg-spin of Rahul Chahar, as they seek to tighten their spin department.
With his all-round capabilities, Rishi Dhawan is an excellent backup option for Harpreet Brar should the latter's performances not meet expectations. Dhawan, a seasoned campaigner in domestic cricket, brings vast experience and a handy knack for breaking partnerships with his medium-pace bowling. Beyond his bowling, Dhawan's batting adds depth to the middle order, providing stability or acceleration as needed.
Harshal Patel
Harshal Patel, the most expensive Indian buy of the 2024 auction, brings a proven track record to Punjab's bowling lineup. With 111 wickets from 91 matches and a standout season in 2021 where he clinched the Purple Cap with 32 wickets, Patel's pedigree is undisputed. Punjab's investment in his skills shows their belief in his ability to lead their bowling attack and deliver impactful performances.
Rahul Chahar
As the mainstay of Punjab's spin department, Rahul Chahar's role is crucial. With 22 wickets across two seasons, his contribution is significant, yet there's anticipation for even greater impact in 2024. Chahar's recent form, including a successful stint in the Vijay Hazare Trophy with 18 wickets, suggests he's well-prepared to challenge batsmen with his leg-spin.
Kagiso Rabada
South African pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada continues to be a key figure in Punjab's fast bowling contingent. Despite a dip in form in 2023, with just seven wickets from six matches, Rabada's brilliance and previous success in the tournament underline his potential to bounce back. His pace and precision will be crucial for Punjab as they look to him to regain his best form and lead their pace assault.
Arshdeep Singh
Tasked with complementing the pace attack alongside Rabada and Harshal, Arshdeep Singh will aim to rectify the inconsistencies of the previous season. With 17 wickets in 14 matches, although at a higher economy, his ability to strike at crucial moments remains vital. Arshdeep's focus will be on improving his discipline and execution to bolster Punjab's bowling strength effectively.
____________________________
Over 1,500 men's and women's players are listed on FanCraze. Will you buy your favorite players and moments, or will you find the diamonds in the rough?
Create an account now to get at least $50 in welcome rewards!
And don't forget to follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Discord and YouTube.
____________________________
