Despite having a good core, Punjab Kings failed to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2022. It was down to some debatable tactics and the form of certain cricketers. In this article, we take a look at four players Punjab Kings might target for IPL 2023 to qualify for the playoffs.
Having not been part of the playoffs for a while, PBKS would first want to get to the top four. They have some holes in the squad, and if they can fix that, they will have a good chance of doing that. IPL 2023 Auctions will be really important for them and we look at four players they need to aim at the event.
1) Ben Stokes
Ben Stokes is one of the players Punjab Kings might target for IPL 2023 to qualify for the playoffs. Punjab Kings need a left-hander in the middle-order whom they can rely upon. Although Bhanuka Rajapaksa was pretty decent, it is not sure if he can deliver the big knocks. Hence, if Stokes is available for the event, PBKS must target him. While he can play at No.3 and deliver the much-needed left-handed option, the player can also provide a few overs of quality medium-pace to aid Kagiso Rabada and Arshdeep Singh.
2) Colin Munro
If Stokes is unavailable, the next best option for PBKS will be Colin Munro. The Kiwi cricketer has been doing well in the middle-order although he has played mostly as an opener. He would come in with plenty of experience and would be an ideal fit at No.4 or No.5. This way, PBKS can have a strong batting line-up of Jonny Bairstow, Shikhar Dhawan, Mayank Agarwal, Colin Munro and Liam Livingstone.
3) Sam Curran
Sam Curran is also one of the players Punjab Kings might target for IPL 2023 to qualify for the playoffs. The youngster from England has already played for the franchise and it might not be a bad idea to get him back. PBKS unsuccessfully used Odean Smith for a couple of games. The West Indian did not look ready for IPL. Curran would be an ideal fit at No.7 and he would also allow Arshdeep Singh to bowl more at the death. The Englishman and Kagiso Rabada can then form a potent opening bowling partnership.
4) Akeal Hosein
Akeal Hosein is one cricketer who is doing well in recent months. The player from West Indies is a left-arm orthodox spinner and is also a big hitter down the order. Harpreet Brar did not do very well for PBKS in IPL 2023. Hence, the franchise can try to hire Akeal and then use another Indian pacer like Ishan Porel in the bowling department. This way, the franchise would have better depth in the batting department.