(Cricket news) PBKS is possibly the least successful team in IPL history. This time around they have Shikhar Dhawan as the new captain. They have spent a fair bit of money in the auction, getting the most expensive player in IPL history Sam Curran. Jonny Bairstow has been ruled out of the entire season as he will focus on his recovery before the Ashes. Kagiso Rabada will miss the first few games as he will be playing for South Africa. It will be interesting how Dhawan captains the side as this team has a lot of potential.

PBKS ideal playing XI:

Openers: Shikhar Dhawan & Atharva Taide

Shikhar Dhawan has been recently dropped from India’s ODI squad so he will come into this tournament with a point to prove. Vidarbha batter Atharva Taide is likely to make his IPL debut at the top. Prabhsimran Singh is another option who can open the batting for PBKS.

Middle order: Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shahrukh Khan & Jitesh Sharma

Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Jitesh Sharma can both keep wickets. Shahrukh Khan has never really got going in the IPL and he will be looking to do that this year because the potential is there. Jitesh Sharma will be high on confidence having recently earned an India call-up. It will be a tough call between Rajapaksa and Matthew Short but the former should get the edge.

All-rounders: Liam Livingston, Sam Curran & Rishi Dhawan

The two English all-rounders will be the ex factor for PBKS with both bat and ball. The pair have a lot of expectations on their shoulders due to their big hitting ability. They are also more than capable with the ball. Rishi Dhawan has been consistently performing in domestic cricket for a while. He is someone who has a lot of experience at domestic and international level. This will be a perfect opportunity for him to stage a comeback on the big stage.

Spinner: Rahul Chahar

The wrist spinner was once touted to shine in India colors. Since then it has been a little underwhelming and he will be very eager to perform in this tournament with PBKS. 

Seamers: Kagiso Rabada & Arshdeep Singh 

Arshdeep Singh is at the top of his game and has shown his talent in India’s colours. He will be looking to go up a gear in this tournament. Rabada will miss PBKS’s first few games and he is likely to be replaced by Nathan Ellis.

Bench: Matthew Short, Prabhsimran Singh, Raj Bawa, Nathan Ellis, Baltej Singh, Harpreet Brar, Sikanadar Raza, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Shivam Singh, Mohit Rathe.

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