The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 is almost here, and teams are making their final preparations for what is sure to be another thrilling edition of the world’s most popular T20 league. However, Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been dealt a blow with the news that their star opener, Jonny Bairstow is set to miss the entire 16th season of the IPL due to a lack of clearance from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Bairstow, who was expected to open the innings for PBKS with skipper Shikhar Dhawan, scored 253 runs in 11 matches last season at a strike rate of 144.57. His absence is sure to be felt by the franchise, and they will be looking for a replacement to fill the void left by the talented cricketer.
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Sources suggest that Dawid Malan could be the ideal replacement for Bairstow in the PBKS line-up. Malan, who was once the number 1 ranked T20I batter, went unsold in the auction this year but could prove to be a valuable addition to the Punjab side.
Malan has featured in 295 T20 games and has amassed a staggering 8011 runs at a strike rate of 129.02. He has also been a consistent performer for England in limited-overs cricket, scoring 1810 runs in 58 T20Is at a strike rate of 134.07. Malan’s ability to both accumulate runs and go on the attack makes him an ideal candidate to fill the opening slot in the PBKS line-up.
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While Malan has only played one game for PBKS in the past, he has the potential to make a significant impact in the upcoming season of the IPL. With a batting line-up that boasts fierce hitters, Malan’s presence could provide a much-needed balance to the PBKS side.
Malan’s inclusion could see him open the innings with Shikhar Dhawan, providing PBKS with a solid foundation at the top of the order. Additionally, Malan’s ability to hold one end up could allow the likes of Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran to play their natural attacking game.
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The upcoming season of the IPL promises to be another thrilling edition of the tournament, and with the addition of Dawid Malan, PBKS could be one of the teams to watch out for. Malan’s experience and ability to adapt to different situations make him a valuable addition to any team, and PBKS could certainly benefit from his presence in their line-up.
While Bairstow’s absence will be felt by the franchise, the addition of Malan could go a long way in helping PBKS achieve their goals in the upcoming season of the IPL. The stage is set for another thrilling edition of the tournament, and cricket fans around the world will be eagerly anticipating the action.