The stage is set for the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), and teams are gearing up with new tactics and strategies to lift the coveted trophy. Punjab Kings (PBKS) have never won an IPL trophy and are looking to turn their fortunes around this year. The team made some bold moves during the auction and acquired some of the best players in the world. One of the most critical areas of focus for the PBKS team management will be their opening batting combination. With Mayank Agarwal released from the squad, the question on everyone’s mind is whether Shikhar Dhawan and Liam Livingstone can become the best opening batting combo of IPL 2023?
The absence of Jonny Bairstow, who will be away on national duty, means that PBKS will have to find a new opening pair. Liam Livingstone could fill this void and form a formidable opening duo with Shikhar Dhawan. Dhawan’s experience and ability to anchor the innings combined with Livingstone’s aggressiveness and attacking flair could provide the PBKS team with a solid foundation.
Shikhar Dhawan will lead the PBKS team in IPL 2023 and will also open the batting for the team. Dhawan has been one of the most consistent performers in the IPL and was among the top run-scorers in the previous edition. The left-handed batsman amassed 460 runs in 14 games at an average of 38.33, including three half-centuries. With over 200 IPL matches under his belt, Dhawan brings in a wealth of experience and stability to the team.
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On the other hand, Liam Livingstone is a dynamic player who can bring in some much-needed firepower to the Punjab Kings’ batting line-up. The right-handed batter was in excellent form last season, scoring 437 runs in 14 games at an incredible strike rate of 182+. He also shattered 4 half-centuries, showing his ability to dominate opposition bowlers. But Livingstone is not just a big-hitting batter. He is also a useful spin all-rounder, who can provide crucial breakthroughs with his off-spin. Last season, he picked up 6 wickets while bowling, adding another dimension to his game.
With Jonny Bairstow set to miss the entire IPL season due to national duties and Ashes preparation, Punjab Kings will need a new opening partner for Dhawan. Liam Livingstone seems to be the perfect fit for the role. He has already shown his prowess as an opener in T20 leagues around the world and could be the perfect foil for Dhawan’s stability and consistency.
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The pair of Dhawan and Livingstone could prove to be a formidable opening combination, with the ability to dominate opposition bowlers and set the tone for the rest of the innings. Their contrasting styles and abilities could complement each other well and provide a solid foundation for the Punjab Kings’ batting line-up. While it remains to be seen how the partnership will pan out, there is no doubt that Dhawan and Livingstone have the potential to be one of the best opening combinations in IPL 2023. Their success could be a major factor in Punjab Kings’ quest for their first-ever IPL title.