3 positives for PBKS despite not making it to the playoffs in IPL 2023
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) had another miserable year in the Indian Premier League (IPL), failing to qualify for the playoffs.
This is now the ninth consecutive year in which Punjab have failed to finish in the top four and progress to the next phase of the competition. The management has made several changes in personnel but somehow it hasn't transpired into results.
In IPL 2023, PBKS finished eighth on the points table, with only six wins from their 14 games.
One of the biggest reasons behind their poor run this season was their dismal bowling attack. Arshdeep Singh, Sam Curran and Kagiso Rabada all had disappointing seasons. The Kings also made some questionable tactical decisions, which have played a huge part in their premature exit.
Despite the poor showing, there were still a few positives for PBKS in IPL 2023. On that note, let's take a look at three positives for them from this year's cash-rich league.
#1 The rise of the youngsters
Perhaps the biggest positive for the Punjab Kings from IPL 2023 is the rise of their youngsters.
One of them is 22-year-old right-handed batter Prabhsimran Singh. He has been with the franchise since 2019 but only got to play six games before this season despite his impressive performance in the domestic circuit.
The young opener played all 14 games this season, ending with a tally of 358 runs, including a sensational century against the Delhi Capitals. His runs came at a superb strike rate of 150.42, which shows the impact that he had at the top of the order.
Another youngster who did well was 23-year-old Atharva Taide, who scored 186 runs in seven games, including two half-centuries.
With two young top-order batters doing well, Punjab have their bases covered for the future.
#2 PBKS wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma's consistency
PBKS wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma was one of the finds of IPL 2022, having scored 234 runs at a brilliant strike rate of 163.64. He then did well in the domestic circuit and even found a place in India's T20 teams against New Zealand and Sri Lanka.
Jitesh was expected to be one of the most crucial players for PBKS in IPL 2023 and the Vidarbha cricketer did not disappoint in the name of the 'second-season syndrome'.
In 14 games this season, the right-handed batter scored 309 runs at an average of 23.77 and a magnificent strike rate of 156.06.
#3 Laim Livingstone batting in top four
PBKS batted Liam Livingstone in the top four on eight occasions out of the nine games that he featured in IPL 2023. The English batter did not disappoint, scoring 279 runs at a phenomenal strike rate of 163.16.
He also played two blinders against the Mumbai Indians (82*) and the Delhi Capitals (94). The right-handed batter also played a crucial innings against the Chennai Super Kings (40), which helped Punjab win the game.
Although Livingstone was inconsistent, PBKS got it right by sending him up the order and having him face more deliveries. He did a reasonable job for someone whose job involves a lot of risks. This stint will give Livingstone a whole of confidence and he will hope to do better next season.