Get ready for IPL 2023 as we take a look at the top 3 contenders for the Orange Cap from Punjab Kings. This article covers the batting statistics and performance of Liam Livingstone, Shikhar Dhawan, and Jitesh Sharma in the IPL, and their potential to score big in the upcoming season. With the Punjab Kings looking to claim their first IPL title, these players are expected to play a crucial role in their campaign for the coveted trophy.
The Indian Premier League is a platform where cricket fans witness some of the most exhilarating performances. The tournament is all about high voltage cricket, nerve-wracking finishes and unforgettable moments. Punjab Kings, one of the most exciting teams in the league, are gearing up for IPL 2023, and fans are eagerly waiting to see how they perform in the tournament.
In this article, we take a look at the top three contenders for the Orange Cap from Punjab Kings in IPL 2023.
1) Liam Livingstone
Liam Livingstone, who was bought by Punjab Kings for a whopping INR 11.50 crore in the IPL auction, will be a crucial player for the team. The right-handed batsman is a middle-order batsman and a spin all-rounder. In IPL 2022, Livingstone scored 437 runs in 14 games at a staggering strike rate of 182+. He also claimed six wickets while bowling.
Livingstone has played 23 matches in his IPL career and scored 549 runs at an average of 27.45. His highest score in IPL is 70 runs. The English cricketer is a hard-hitting batsman, and his twin centuries for England Lions against Sri Lanka’s A side impressed Andy Flower, who called him one of the hardest hitters he had ever seen. With a strike rate of over 140 in T20 cricket, Punjab Kings will be banking on Livingstone to come good in IPL 2023.
Also Read: Top 3 Contenders for the Orange Cap from Sunrisers Hyderabad
2) Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan is the captain of Punjab Kings in IPL 2023 and will lead the team in the tournament. The left-handed opener is one of the most consistent performers in IPL history. In IPL 2022, he scored 460 runs in 14 games at an average of 38.33, including three half-centuries.
Dhawan has played 190 matches in IPL and scored 6,244 runs at an average of 34.87. He is the second-highest run-getter in the history of IPL with two centuries and 47 half-centuries to his name. After being bought by Punjab Kings for INR 8.25 Crore during the TATA IPL 2022 auction, Dhawan will look to continue his good form and lead the team from the front.
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3) Jitesh Sharma
With Jonny Bairstow expected to miss IPL 2023 due to injury, Punjab Kings will need to find a good opener to replace him. Jitesh Sharma, the Vidarbha wicketkeeper-batter, can be a good choice for the team. He can be promoted as an opener and also keep the stumps for the team.
In IPL 2022, Sharma smacked 234 runs in 10 innings at a strike rate of 163+. Sharma has played 54 T20s so far and scored 1,329 runs at a strike rate of 141.83. With Bairstow likely to miss the tournament, Sharma will have a golden opportunity to make his mark in IPL 2023.
Also Read: Top 3 Contenders for the Orange Cap from Chennai Super Kings
In conclusion, Punjab Kings have some exciting players in their squad, and fans will be hoping to see them perform well in IPL 2023. Liam Livingstone, Shikhar Dhawan and Jitesh Sharma are the top three contenders for the Orange Cap from Punjab Kings. With their batting prowess, they will be looking to make a significant impact in the upcoming season of the IPL.