Explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of the IPL 2024 season.
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have faced consistent playoff misses since the 2014 season, but with Shikhar Dhawan at the helm in 2024, they aim to reverse their fortunes. The 2023 campaign ended on a disappointing note with only six wins in 14 matches, and PBKS, despite being part of the league since 2008, has qualified for the playoffs only twice.
In the 2024 IPL auction, PBKS made significant investments of INR 24.95 crore to secure the services of eight players, including notable names like Harshal Patel, Chris Woakes, and Rilee Rossouw. Harshal Patel, the 2021 purple cap winner, emerged as the costliest Indian player for PBKS, acquired for INR 11.75 crore.
Probable Playing XI for PBKS in IPL 2024:
- Shikhar Dhawan (c)
- Jonny Bairstow
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Liam Livingstone
- Jitesh Sharma (wk)
- Sam Curran
- Rishi Dhawan/Harpreet Brar
- Harshal Patel
- Kagiso Rabada
- Rahul Chahar
- Arshdeep Singh
PBKS Players Bought at IPL 2024 Auction:
- Harshal Patel (Rs. 11.75 crore)
- Chris Woakes (Rs. 4.20 crore)
- Ashutosh Sharma (Rs. 20 lakh)
- Vishwanath Pratap Singh (Rs. 20 lakh)
- Shashank Singh (Rs. 20 lakh)
- Tanay Thyagarajann (Rs. 20 lakh)
- Prince Choudhary (Rs. 20 lakh)
- Rilee Rossouw (Rs. 8 crore)
PBKS IPL 2024 Squad Composition:
Wicketkeepers:
- Jonny Bairstow (ENG)
- Prabhsimran Singh
- Jitesh Sharma
Batters:
- Shikhar Dhawan
- Harpreet Bhatia
- Rilee Rossouw (SA)
- Shashank Singh
All-rounders:
- Liam Livingstone (ENG)
- Atharva Taide
- Rishi Dhawan
- Sam Curran (ENG)
- Sikandar Raza (ZIM)
- Shivam Singh
- Chris Woakes (ENG)
- Ashutosh Sharma
- Vishwanath Singh
- Tanay Thyagarajan
- Harshal Patel
Bowlers:
- Harpreet Brar
- Arshdeep Singh
- Kagiso Rabada (SA)
- Nathan Ellis (AUS)
- Rahul Chahar
- Vidhwath Kaverappa
- Prince Choudhary
PBKS Strengths: Star-studded batting unit
PBKS boasts an illustrious batting lineup featuring Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, Rossouw, Sikandar Raza, and Sam Curran. The experience of these players on the international stage adds depth to the team’s batting, enhancing their potential to make a significant impact in the tournament.
Talented finishers
With power hitters like Jitesh Sharma and Liam Livingstone, PBKS possesses the capability to deliver match-finishing performances. Sikandar Raza and Sam Curran further contribute to the team’s aggressive batting style, particularly in the final overs of innings.
Quality pace attack
PBKS has bolstered its pace attack with Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, and Sam Curran. The addition of Harshal Patel, with over 11 years of IPL experience, enhances the team’s bowling prowess. Chris Woakes provides valuable support, ensuring strength and depth in the pace department.
PBKS Weaknesses: Limited spin-bowling options
PBKS lacks experienced spinners, as evidenced by their decision not to acquire any in the auction. The performance of spinners Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar in the 2023 season was ordinary, with a joint tally of 17 wickets. Their inability to provide breakthroughs in crucial situations poses a weakness in PBKS’s spin department.
PBKS Opportunities: Jonny Bairstow’s comeback
Jonny Bairstow’s return provides an opportunity for PBKS to strengthen their batting lineup. The English veteran, with his aggressive style, can offer exceptional support to skipper Shikhar Dhawan. His comeback may see him play a crucial role in the opening partnership with Dhawan.
PBKS Threats: Out-of-form players
PBKS faces a potential threat with England players like Bairstow, Livingstone, Curran, and Woakes, who struggled in the 2023 World Cup in Indian conditions. The team’s reliance on these players, without a return to form, poses a risk for PBKS in the upcoming IPL season.
