3 PBKS players to watch out for in upcoming season

Since the inception of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been one of the most inconsistent sides. In the 15 editions of the tournament, they have made it to the knockout stages only a couple of times. Their best in the league came in the 2014 season when they played the final for the first time against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Since then, their performances have been disastrous in every season consistently. 

For the 2023 edition, the PBKS management has handed the captaincy to the veteran Shikhar Dhawan. Following Mayank Agarwal’s poor performance as a batter and skipper in 2022, the franchise parted ways with him before the 2023 IPL auction held in December. In the 2022 season, the team looked ineffective and ended in sixth position on the points table under the leadership of Agarwal. In 2023, they will bank on a few players they signed in the mini-auction at hefty prices. Along with these marquee players, they will also expect some good shows from players who looked magnificent recently.

Here are three PBKS players who will be favourites to do well in the upcoming IPL edition

3. Vidwath Kaverappa

PBKS roped in the Karnataka pacer Vidwath Kaverappa for INR 20 lakh at the 2023 mini-auction. With his top-notch bowling displays in the 2022-23 domestic season, he grabbed the eyes of the franchise. The 24-year-old will be crucial for PBKS in the forthcoming event as he will add strength to the pace battery of the team with his bowling skills.

In the 2022-23 domestic season, he looked efficient for Karnataka in back-to-back tournaments. He took 18 wickets in the 2022-23 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and became the second-leading wicket-taker. The pacer also carried his form in the 2022-23 Vijay Hazare Trophy. 

With 17 wickets in eight games at a magnificent economy of 3.53, he became the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament. After delivering fine figures to his team in the white-ball format, he showcased his bowling skills in the Ranji Trophy. Claiming 30 scalps in eight games, he emerged as the third-leading wicket-taker for Karnataka.