'Had a few comments after last season' - PBKS' Liam Livingstone 'happy' to prove critics wrong with sensational show in IPL 2022

Punjab Kings ended their IPL 2022 campaign on a high, defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by five wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. It was indeed a comprehensive triumph for the Mohali-based team as SRH were on the back foot throughout the contest. Chasing a paltry 158, PBKS had no issues whatsoever as the side crossed the line with 29 balls to spare. Liam Livingstone was one of the chief architects of Punjab’s victory as the England all-rounder played yet another destructive cameo.

Coming to bat at number five, Livingstone didn’t waste any time and attacked SRH bowlers from the outset. With the help of two boundaries and five maximums, the 28-year-old scored 49 off just 22 balls and remained unbeaten till the end. In fact, the swashbuckler was sensational throughout this season as many potent bowlers became victims of his carnage.

I felt like I was hitting the ball well throughout the tournament: Liam Livingstone

Overall, he mustered 437 runs in 14 games with his strike rate being in excess of 180. Although PBKS couldn’t make it to the final four, Livingstone impressed one and all. Following the conclusion of the game against SRH, Livingstone mentioned that his performance in IPL 2021 had earned him criticism and he was happy to prove those people wrong.

“It was nice. I felt like I was hitting the ball well throughout the tournament. The way we played today was perfect – attacking as well as being smart. It’s been a long two and a half months, it would be good to be away. I am a big believer in matchups and I knew Umran and Washy were my matchups,” Livingstone said after the match.

“Tried to play left-handers well. I don’t think I have ever hit a left-arm spinner over extra covers. We needed just over a run a ball, so didn’t need to go all guns blazing. Need to work out the game and decide how hard to go. It’s nice to prove a few people wrong. Had a few comments after last year’s IPL. I am still learning and developing,” he added.