IPL 2022: Match 3 – Strongest Punjab Kings (PBKS) Predicted Playing XI against Royal Challengers Bangalore

The 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is underway as so is Punjab Kings’ quest for the elusive title. The Mohali-based side will kickstart its campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai on Sunday (March 27). Mayank Agarwal will lead PBKS this time around and expectations are pretty high from the 31-year-old.

It must be noted that PBKS, who had retained Mayank Agarwal and Arshdeep Singh, entered this season’s mega auction with the biggest purse of INR 72 crore. They made some valuable buys at the bidding event and formed a strong squad. Now, it’s upon the players to execute the plans and help PBKS thrive.

Meanwhile, here’s the predicted Playing XI of Punjab Kings for IPL 2022 Match 3:

Openers – Mayank Agarwal, Shikhar Dhawan

PBKS’ opening combination is pretty settled with Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan in the ranks. Both players have a plethora of experience in IPL and their records speak volumes of their prowess. The two are also expected to complement each other well owing to their contrasting batting styles.

Shikhar tends to make full use of the powerplay overs but slows down once the field spreads out. On the other hand, Mayank has been following the ‘see the ball and hit the ball’ policy since the last couple of seasons. The duo are expected to give PBKS stellar starts more often than not and the RCB camp must be aware of the same.

Middle-Order: Prabhsimran Singh, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shahrukh Khan

With Jonny Bairstow not being available for the first few matches amid international duty, PBKS’ middle-order would look pretty fragile. Sri Lanka’s Bhanuka Rajapaksa is expected to make his IPL debut as he has done well at the highest level. The left-handed batter can attack bowlers from the outset and also has the knack of staying in the middle for a substantial time.

Shahrukh Khan will have big responsibilities on his shoulders as PBKS splashed a whopping INR 9 crore in the mega auction to reacquire his services. The dasher can hit some lusty blows at the back end of the innings and his recent performances have been impressive as well.

Till the time Bairstow is not available, Prabhsimran Singh can keep the wickets for PBKS. The 21-year-old wicketkeeper is a handy batter alongside being a safe gloveman. Notably, he has been associated with the franchise since the 2019 season

All Rounders: Odean Smith, Liam Livingstone, Harpreet Brar

England international Liam Livingstone has emerged as a force to reckon with in this format of the game. The dasher can play anywhere in the batting order and also contribute with his handy spin bowling. Interestingly, Livingstone tends to bowl leg-spin to right-handed batters and off-spin to southpaws. This makes him a great asset in T20s. However, his primary job would be to contribute with the bat.

Odean Smith will be another all-rounder in the team, having done well in the T20I series against India last month. The West Indies star can set the speed gun on fire and also has several variations in his arsenal. Smith is also a hard hitter of the ball and PBKS would want him to unleash his all-round brilliance.

In order to provide balance to the line-up, Harpreet Brar could be inducted in the line-up. The left-arm spinner can contain the run-flow alongside wielding to willow to good effect.

Bowlers: Rahul Chahar, Sandeep Sharma and Arshdeep Singh

The final three slots will be occupied by bowlers and PBKS aren’t short of potent options in this department. South African speedster Kagiso Rabada is set to spearhead PBKS bowling attack this season. However, he won’t be available for the opening game due to bio-bubble norms. The same might hamper PBKS and the onus will be on the Indian bowlers to contain RCB batters.

One of PBKS’ two retentions ahead of the mega auction, Arshdeep Singh will also bolster the pace-bowling department. The young left-arm pacer has been exceptional for the franchise in the last couple of seasons and even has a five-wicket haul under his belt. Returning to the franchise, Sandeep Sharma will share the new ball with Arshdeep.

Having scalped over 100 wickets in the competition, Sandeep is well versed with the drill of IPL. Rahul Chahar would be the lone specialist spinner in the line-up and he’ll have a point to prove. The leg-spinner did an exceptional job for his previous franchise Mumbai Indians and he won’t mind replicating his heroics again.

PBKS’ Predicted XI for Match 3 against RCB: Shikhar Dhawan, Mayank Agarwal (c), Prabhsimran Singh (wk), Liam Livingstone, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Shahrukh Khan, Odean Smith, Harpreet Brar, Sandeep Sharma, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar and Arshdeep Singh