Kings (PBKS) have long been criticized for their inability to fire all cylinders in the IPL. The last time they reached the final was back in 2014 but lost to Kolkata Knight Riders in the showdown.
Since then, they lacked the killer instinct to sneak into the top four.
Despite having marquee players in their arsenal, they failed to operate as a team and were punished for shoddy performances. They neither had the tenacity to churn out wins nor had the determination to pose a threat to the opposition teams.
In the last season, PBKS finished eighth on the points table, mustering 12 points (6 wins and 8 defeats). This time, they will be looking forward to delivering an improved performance. It remains to be seen how they will go about their business under the captaincy of Shikhar Dhawan.
The Mohali-based franchise will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Delhi Capitals on March 23 at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mohali. Let’s take a look at the players who can score most runs and pick the most wickets for PBKS for the IPL 2024 season.
IPL 2024: Three players who can score most runs for PBKS
Shikhar Dhawan: Shikhar Dhawan has been one of the finest batters in the history of the IPL. Notably, the senior pro is the second leading run-scorer in IPL with 6617 runs at an average of 35.4 including 2 centuries and 50 fifties. He looked in good touch last season, mustering 373 runs in 11 games including three fifties. Dhawan who relishes dominating the powerplay overs is certain to lead the batting attack by example for PBKS in the IPL 2024 season.
Jonny Bairstow: England international Jonny Bairstow has a wealth of experience in the truncated version of the game. He is best known for his potential to play a fearless brand of cricket. The fact that he can dominate the pace and spin bowling attack, makes him a real threat to the opposition teams. He garnered 1291 runs at an average of 35.9 and a strike rate of 142.7 including 1 century and nine fifties to his name.
Jitesh Sharma: It is worth mentioning here that Jitesh Sharma has been one of the successful run-getters for PBKS in the last two seasons, wherein he scored 543 runs in 26 games at a sensational strike rate of 159.23. He will be looking forward to lending his support in the middle-order and PBKS will benefit from his super explosive gameplay.
IPL 2024: Three players who can pick most wickets for PBKS
Kagiso Rabada: South Africa’s fast bowling sensation Kagiso Rabada ticks all the boxes in the areas of pace and accuracy. He is known for his potential to generate seam and swing. With a mix of yorkers, bouncers, and the ability to move the ball both ways off the seam, he has indeed troubled even the world-class batters. He is certain to make a telling impact for PBKS in the next season. Overall, he has taken 106 wickets in 69 games.
Arshdeep Singh: Arshdeep Singh is one of the smartest bowlers in PBKS’ bowling line-up. He is known for his ability to swing the ball into the left-handers and away from the right-handed batters. The 25-year-old also drew plaudits for his accuracy and control while also maintaining tight lines and lengths consistently. He accounted for 57 dismissals in 51 matches in IPL.
Harshal Patel: The Mohali-based franchise splashed the cash to sign Harshal Patel for a whopping INR 11.75 crore, which is also their most expensive player in the auction. He can deceive the batters by making changes in pace and movement, both off the pitch and in the air, making him highly effective in the slog overs. His slower ball has been his secret weapon. He took 111 wickets in 92 appearances including a fifer.
Chaithanya G Mykhel
source: mykhel.com