'He's back babyyy!!’ - Twitter goes berserk as Liam Livingstone starts against RCB in Mohali

Liam Livingstone features in Punjab Kings' thrilling clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore in match 27 of the IPL 2023

Published - 20 Apr 2023, 15:42 IST | Updated - 20 Apr 2023, 15:40 IST

11 Min Read

The 27th game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 featured a heavyweight clash between the Sam Curran-led Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium on Thursday, April 20.

Following the toss, stand-in skipper Sam Curran announced the return of English batting all-rounder Liam Livingstone in the side’s playing XI for their game against Bangalore. Due to fitness concerns, the 29-year-old missed the first five matches for his side. He arrived in India in the early stages of April after being handed a fitness clearance certificate by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). Furthermore, he also strained a muscle in his first training side with Punjab, which further delayed his return.

Livingstone was an integral part of Punjab's squad at the IPL 2022, as the English batter amassed 437 runs and six wickets in 14 matches for his side. Following his return to the playing XI, fans took to Twitter to voice their opinion over the star England batter's selection.

Punjab Kings aim to register fourth win of the IPL 2023

Punjab Kings got off to a fabulous start to the IPL 2023, winning their first two games of the season against Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals, respectively. However, the team saw a dip in their form as they lost the next two games subsequently before getting back to winning ways after defeating Lucknow Super Giants in their previous assignment.

Winning their last game under Sam Curran’s leadership, the side would be keen on putting in similar performances when they take on Royal Challengers Bangalore. With six points in five games, Punjab sits fifth in the IPL points table. On the other hand, Bangalore finds themselves in eighth place with four points in five games.

Punjab Kings received an added boost to their lineup with the returns of stars like Nathan Ellis and Liam Livingstone, and the side would hope that both players can make an instant impact and propel them to their fourth win of the IPL 2023.

Here's how Twitter reacted to Liam Livingstone's return to PBKS lineup:

Punjab Kings

@PunjabKingsIPL

Weather update in Mohali: Grab your ☔️s, 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐦 has arrived! 💥 #JazbaHaiPunjabi #SaddaPunjab #TATAIPL #PBKSvRCB I @liaml4893

03:07 PM · Apr 20, 2023

126

Vignesh Bharadwaj@VBharadwaj31

He's back babyyy!! #PBKSvRCB

03:55 PM · Apr 20, 2023

Manish Bhatt@manishbhattuk

Finally, Liam Livingstone was included in the #PBKS squad today and their batting is looking solid as per the firepower in the lower order. But they need to bowl well and domestic players have to perform. #PBKSvsRCB, #IPL2O23 #ViratKohli #RCBvsPBKS

03:18 PM · Apr 20, 2023