In the IPL 2024 auction, Punjab Kings (PBKS) managed to retain over 4 crores even after securing 8 new players. The team strategically preserved its core, with many of the acquisitions serving as backups for the first XI.

Punjab Kings have grappled with a historical challenge of extracting optimal performances from the players they bring into their fold. Despite boasting a roster of overseas superstars who have excelled with other franchises, they have struggled to replicate that success.

The team’s last appearance in an IPL final dates back to 2014, marking their sole final appearance in the league. Seeking a change in fortunes, they brought back Sanjay Bangar as the team’s Head Of Cricket Development ahead of IPL 2024. Bangar, present at the auction, appeared content with the team’s acquisitions.

While PBKS has secured backups for nearly every department, a notable absence is a contingency plan for Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan, set to lead the side, faces the considerable pressure of maintaining consistency at the top of the order. The remaining experienced players in the squad will also be crucial in taking ownership of their roles.

See Also: IPL 2024: Best Playing XI for Gujarat Titans (GT) Post Mini Auction

With a diverse mix of seasoned overseas players, PBKS faces an intriguing challenge in selecting the playing XI, and it will be fascinating to observe which players earn their spots in the lineup.

The potential playing XI for PBKS in IPL 2024 features:

1. Shikhar Dhawan (C): Opening the batting, Shikhar Dhawan, the skipper, is among the top scorers in the IPL. With over 800 runs for Punjab Kings in the last two seasons, he brings experience and leadership to the team.
2. Jonny Bairstow (WK): Bairstow partners with Dhawan at the top. Looking to improve his numbers for Punjab Kings, Bairstow aims for a strong performance after a challenging run in the previous season.
3. Prabhsimran Singh: The keeper-batter can slot in at three. Known for his big-hitting abilities, Singh adds firepower to the batting lineup, scoring 358 runs last season, including a century.
4. Liam Livingstone: Batting at four, Livingstone is a hard-hitter and an all-rounder. A recent participant in the World Cup for England, he aims for a successful season, utilizing his all-round abilities.
5. Jitesh Sharma: Batting at five, Jitesh Sharma displayed finishing skills in the last season. Returning to the Indian T20I side, he looks to solidify his place with impactful performances.
6. Sam Curran: Retained despite an off-season, Curran bats at six. The franchise invests faith in his abilities, and Curran aims to deliver with both bat and ball in IPL 2024.
7. Rishi Dhawan: Batting at seven, Rishi Dhawan, the Himachal cricketer, aims to make a mark in this season. A seasoned IPL player, he looks to cement his place in the team.
8. Harshal Patel: Slotting in at eight, Harshal Patel serves as the specialist Indian seamer. A Purple Cap winner in IPL 2021, Patel was picked by Punjab Kings for 11.75 crores after being released by the franchise.
9. Arshdeep Singh: Partnering with Harshal Patel as the second Indian specialist seamer, Arshdeep Singh has been with Punjab Kings since the start of his IPL career. With 57 wickets in 51 matches, he adds depth to the pace attack.
10. Kagiso Rabada: Leading the pace attack, Rabada joined Punjab Kings in IPL 2022 and has been impactful, picking 30 wickets in the last two seasons. The South African pacer looks to contribute significantly.
11. Rahul Chahar: The specialist spinner in the XI, Rahul Chahar, aims to showcase his best form. With 22 wickets in the last two seasons, Chahar plays a crucial role in the bowling lineup.

Impact Sub: Harpreet Brar: The left-arm spinner serves as the impact sub. Known for dismissing Virat Kohli, AB De Villiers, and Glenn Maxwell in the same match, Brar adds quality to the bowling attack.

PBKS IPL 2024 FULL SQUAD

Shikhar Dhawan (c), Matthew Short, Prabhsimran Singh, Jitesh Sharma, Sikandar Raza, Rishi Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Atharva Taide, Arshdeep Singh, Nathan Ellis, Sam Curran, Kagiso Rabada, Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, Harpreet Bhatia, Vidwath Kaverappa, Shivam Singh, Harshal Patel, Chris Woakes, Ashutosh Sharma, Vishwanath Pratap Singh, Shashank Singh, Tanay Thyagarajann, Prince Choudhary, Rilee Rossouw.