It has been confirmed that Jonny Bairstow will miss IPL 2023 due to a freak injury which he suffered before T20 World Cup 2022. It will be a big blow for Punjab Kings, who actually relied on him for both wicket-keeping and batting. However, there are a few English players who can fill his place.
3 English Players Who Can Replace Jonny Bairstow for Punjab Kings in IPL 2023:
1. Jason Roy
As per reports, PBKS have already approached Jason Roy for replacing Jonny Bairstow in the team. Roy had a brilliant show in the PSL 2023. Roy has partnered with Bairstow on several occasions to open for the England cricket team. He is the perfect replacement for Bairstow in IPL 2023.
2. Tom Banton
Tom Banton is a wicketkeeper batsman for England. Tom went unsold in the IPL 2023 auction. However, he could be a perfect replacement for Bairstow in IPL 2023 as his innovative shots and hitting ability is highly impressive.
3. Tom Kohler-Cadmore
Tom Kohler-Cadmore was in good form in the recently concluded PSL. Being a big-hitter, he can do what Jonny Bairstow used to do for the team. While Shikhar Dhawan’s responsibility would be to build Punjab Kings’ innings, Tom Kohler-Cadmore could hit big from the start.
For Punjab, Jitesh Sharma will take the gloves in Bairstow’s absence. SriLanka star Bhanuka Rajapaksa is also a handy wicket keeping option for the franchise. They begin their campaign on April 1 against Kolkata Knight Riders at home. The team has a new captain with Shikhar Dhawan leading the side replacing Mayank Agarwal.