The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 continues with a high-octane clash between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium. Both teams will be eager to start the season strong after failing to make the playoffs last year. With some key players missing on both sides, new heroes will need to step up and make their mark in this exciting encounter.
The Punjab Cricket Association Stadium is known for its high-scoring matches, with an average first-innings total of 168. With experienced batters on both teams, fans can expect a run-fest today. Here are three players who could potentially score the most runs in the PBKS vs KKR match:
- Shikhar Dhawan (PBKS)
The new PBKS captain and second-highest run-scorer in IPL history, Shikhar Dhawan, will be looking to lead from the front in today’s match. With 6,244 runs in 206 matches at an average of 35.08, Dhawan’s experience will be crucial for the team. Recently left out of the Indian ODI side, the southpaw will be eager to prove himself and make a case for national selection, especially with the ODI World Cup set to take place in India later this year.
- Rinku Singh (KKR)
Rinku Singh has been part of the KKR squad for some time but hasn’t had an extended run in the playing XI, featuring in only 17 matches. However, the left-hander has shown promise in the domestic season and scored two fifties in the warm-up games ahead of IPL 2023. KKR’s management will be hopeful that Rinku can deliver a strong performance in the middle order and contribute to a winning start for the team’s IPL 2023 campaign.
- Bhanuka Rajapaksa (PBKS)
Sri Lankan batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa made a name for himself with some explosive knocks for PBKS last year. With Jonny Bairstow unavailable this season, Rajapaksa will have to shoulder additional responsibilities in the team’s relatively young middle order. The southpaw displayed good form during the recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) and will be keen to carry that momentum into the IPL.
As PBKS and KKR clash in today’s match, all eyes will be on these three players and their potential impact on the game. Fans can look forward to an exciting encounter between two well-matched sides, with new heroes waiting to make their mark in the IPL 2023 season.