Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: PBKS' Playing 11 Against RCB (Predicted), IPL 2022, Match 03, PBKS vs RCB

Punjab Kings’ performances in the last few years in the Indian Premier League don’t inspire a lot of confidence. They have consistently remained at the bottom of the points table. Also, KL Rahul, who was the captain till last year, is no longer part of the game.

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However, there is no denying the fact that the franchise has compiled an outstanding squad this year. They made great acquisitions at the IPL 2022 Mega Auctions and the squad looks appealing on paper. Punjab Kings will kick start their IPL 2022 campaign against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday. In this article, we have compiled our predicted Playing XI of Punjab Kings for the first game. Here’s a look at it:

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Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bangalore: PBKS’ Playing 11 Against RCB (Predicted), IPL 2022, Match 03, PBKS vs RCB

Openers: Shikhar Dhawan and Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal will lead Punjab Kings this year. He has been a prolific run-scorer for the franchise and the expectations will be high from him. Mayank will have a new partner this year. He is likely to open with Shikhar Dhawan. The latter has been a prolific run-scorer for Delhi Capitals and would be hoping to replicate those performances for Punjab this year.

Middle-Order: Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Shah Rukh Khan

Punjab Kings have a solid middle-order. They have got three destructive hitters in Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Shah Rukh Khan. The trio will be responsible for capitalizing on the starts provided by the openers. Having said that, it’s extremely important that they play vital knocks consistently throughout the tournament.

All-rounders: Odean Smith and Rishi Dhawan

The likes of Odean Smith and Rishi Dhawan give the required depth in the batting order. Also, both are pretty handy with the ball as well. Odean Smith can smack huge sixes and bowls fast consistently at over 150 clicks. Rishi Dhawan’s performances in the Vijay Hazare Trophy might tempt Punjab to play him ahead of inexperienced Raj Bawa.

Bowlers: Harpreet Brar, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, and Arshdeep Singh

The bowling unit too is pretty sorted. They have as many seven bowling options in their playing XI, which should keep them in good stead. Kagiso Rabada will lead the pace bowling department and will be supported by Arshdeep Singh. Besides, the spin bowling duties will be shared by Rahul Chahar and Harpreet Brar.