Punjab Kings have never won the title and are prone to making wholesale changes after nearly every season. The last time they reached the playoffs was back in 2014.
STRENGTH: The batting looks strong with several power-hitters in the line-up. Shikhar Dhawan offers solidity as well as consistency at the top. Liam Livingstone, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Jitesh Sharma, Shahrukh Khan and Sam Curran can go ballistic.
WEAKNESS: Lack of credible death-overs specialists. Sam Curran is good towards the end with his wide yorkers and slower deliveries but lacks support.
OPPORTUNITY: On paper, have the personnel to maximise boundary hitting.
THREAT: Bowling attack lacks a bit of the oomph that defines their batting.
KEY PLAYERS
Shikhar Dhawan: The captain, known to keep his cool in crunch situations, is also the second highest run getter in IPL history.
Sam Curran: The star allrounder helped CSK win their fourth IPL title in the 2021 season before giving the last season a miss due to back injury.
Arshdeep Singh: Was India's main man at the T20 World Cup in Australia. Is known to swing the new ball both ways and then bowl toe-crushing yorkers at the death.
NEW PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Sam Curran: Punjab picked Curran at the auction for Rs 18. 50 crore, making the Englishman the most expensive player in IPL history. His addition to the team brings in a lot of depth in both the bowling and batting departments.
Sikandar Raza: The Zimbabwean has been in brilliant form over the last two years. Starred for his country at the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. Also helped Lahore Qalandars win the PSL this year. A handy spinner too.
Vidwath Kaverappa: Remember the name. Pace-bowling sensation from Karnataka who impressed one and all in his debut season (2022-23). Gets awkward bounce and has a mean yorker. Was the second-highest wicket-taker in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 with 18 wickets from 8 games.
INJURY WATCH
Englishman Jonny Bairstow continues to recover from a leg injury that he suffered in September last year while playing golf. Liam Livingstone suffered a knee injury during England's tour to Pakistan last year and is likely to miss the first couple of matches.
