Why is Sikandar Raza not playing for PBKS?
Punjab Kings faced another dull campaign last year and as they are still searching for their first IPL title, the team will need to place their best XI against Lucknow on Saturday.
One of the main problems with the Punjab Kings over the years is that the franchise failed to place balanced XIs in the initial games and lost games in the process of judging players.
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Let us look at why is Sikandar Raza not playing for PBKS.
Sikandar Raza, who made his IPL debut in 2023, played only 7 games for Punjab Kings out of 14, despite guiding his side home in 2 games.
Opting to bowl in match 21 of IPL 2023, Punjab restricted the Lucknow side to 159 in 20 overs.
The target was not at all big, but the Punjab batters’ shot selections made it a big one. The Kings were in deep trouble after losing their top 3 at 45 after 6.
With wickets continue to fall from one end, Sikandar Raza stood against all odds and struck a fifty to narrow the gap.
The tourists were required 22 to win in 13 balls when Raza left the crease after playing a match saving knock of 41-ball 57.
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Shahrukh Khan did the remaining work and smashed unbeaten 23 off 10 to hand Punjab Kings their first win against Lucknow in IPL.
Shikhar Dhawan-led side started their 2024 campaign on a winning note but lost their second game, and they need to field their best 11 to beat Lucknow at Ekana.
Sikandar Raza has not found the place in starting 11 during Kings first two games, but with Jonny Bairstow failed to perform in 2 outings, Sikandar Raza may replace him for Saturday’s clash.
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Punjab Kings best playing 11 against Lucknow Super Giants
Shikhar Dhawan (c), Prabhsimran Singh, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sikandar Raza, Sam Curran, Shashank Singh, Harpreet Singh, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Arshdeep Singh
