IPL 2023: Jonny Bairstow to skip mega tournament to focus on Ashes 2023

According to the latest reports, the star English batter Jonny Bairstow is expected to miss the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 to focus on the Ashes as he recovers from his lengthy leg injury. This news comes as a big upset for Punjab Kings' fans as the franchise lacks a quality top-order batter to partner captain Shikhar Dhawan.

The 33-year-old wicketkeeper-batter broke his left leg while playing golf prior to the ICC T20 World Cup 2022, in September. He underwent a successful surgery and returned to the nets last month. However, he last played cricket in August 2022 in Tests against South Africa at home and is reportedly looking to skip the IPL 2023 to focus on his recovery.

England host the next Ashes in June and July 2023 and according to a report from The Guardian, Bairstow is looking to recover completely before the Ashes. He was sensational in England's remarkable turnaround in Test cricket under the leadership of Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum. 

He was among the only four cricketers in the world to score 1000-plus Test runs in 2022 with the most number of centuries. Nevertheless, England continue to impress in red-ball cricket in Bairstow's absence with Harry Brook filling a big hole with 797 runs in just five Test matches.

Punjab Kings lacks top order options ahead of IPL 2023

Punjab Kings restrained themselves from retaining captain Mayank Agarwal after the conclusion of the 2022 edition. They also opt out from signing Mayank's direct replacement in the IPL 2023 mini-auction as they spent big on signing Sam Curran and also fetched Sikandar Raza.

Shikhar lacks a quality partner to open the innings with him and Bairstow's absence will further stress the management. New signing Harpreet Bhatia is a natural choice for the opener spot with good numbers in T20 cricket. Jitesh Sharma is expected to don the wicketkeeping gloves again with Bhanuka Rajapaksa providing backup. However, Punjab Kings have an overseas slot available and might sign a replacement for Bairstow in time.

Punjab Kings host Kolkata Knight Riders in their opening game at Mohali's Punjab Cricket Association Stadium on April 1.