Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals, IPL 2024: Punjab Kings team profile, probable playing 11, new players under Shikhar Dhawan

PBKS captain Shikhar Dhawan. Punjab Kings spent Rs 24.95 crore for eight new players, including Harshal Patel (Rs 11.75 crore) and South African big-hitter Rilee Rossouw (Rs 8 crore). (Image via X/@PunjabKingsIPL)

Punjab Kings have been unlucky not to win the title even once despite boasting top international names in their squads since the inception of the Indian Premier League in 2008. Previously known as Kings XI Punjab, the team came closest to winning the title in 2014 with a century from Wriddhiman Saha, but ultimately lost the contest to the Kolkata Knight Riders. The franchise had reached the semifinals of the IPL in 2008 under Yuvraj Singh, but they lost to Chennai Super Kings.

Punjab spent Rs 24.95 crore for eight new players at the IPL auction to bolster their combination under captain Shikhar Dhawan. They shelled out Rs 11.75 crore for death overs specialist Harshal Patel and bought South African big-hitter Rilee Rossouw for Rs 8 crore. England all-rounder Chris Woakes is a good addition for Rs 4.2 crore.

The franchise won six out of the 14 league matches in 2023, thus finishing eighth. Dhawan will be keen to turn the tide in what will also be his return to competitive cricket after ten months. The explosive opener was last seen in the IPL only.

Retained for Rs 20 lakh, India wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma could be the surprise package for Punjab in the season. There were glimpses of his big-hitting skills when he smashed an unbeaten 49 off 27 balls against the Mumbai Indians.

Liam Livingstone remains the best player for the franchise, who can single-handedly win them the tournament.

The Punjab Kings open their IPL campaign against the Delhi Capitals on the afternoon of March 23, 2024. Both teams will want to open their IPL 2024 Points Table account with a win and a positive net run rate.

PBKS playing 11 (probable): Shikhar Dhawan (c), Jonny Bairstow, Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sam Curran, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh