IPL 2024

‘England players ko kabhi bhi bharosa nahi karna chahiye’ – Fans angry as Jonny Bairstow set to miss Indian T20 League 2023

Punjab had made it to the final in the 2014 Indian T20 League edition.
Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow (Source: Twitter)

In what will be a big blow to the Punjab franchise ahead of the Indian T20 League, Jonny Bairstow is set to miss the tournament to focus on the Ashes.  He will not be able to take part in the 2023 season due to a leg injury, which he sustained the injury in September 2022. Bairstow, the Englishman has played 39 matches in the tournament, averaging of 35.86 with the bat at a strike rate of 142.65.

According to the Guardian, Bairstow is in a good position, and he has started outdoor training and also batting practice in the nets. The right-hander will not make it to the Indian T20 League. He will make his comeback through county cricket for Yorkshire. There have been reports that he will keep for the county as well.

Bairstow suffered the injury in the Test series against South Africa in 2022

Bairstow suffered an injury when he played golf before the third Test against South Africa. This incident resulted in many fractures.  a dislocated ankle, and ligament damage. Bairstow had to undergo surgery, and a metal plate was inserted as part of his rehab process.  He did not have the best of Indian T20 League’s in 2022 where he made only 253 runs from 11 games. Bairstow scored two fifties and had a paltry average of 23.

For Punjab, they have an able replacement in Banuka Rajapaksa. The Sri Lankan left-hander showed what he was capable of and could hit big shots and play aggressively in the middle order. Rajapaksa scored 206 runs from nine matches with a strike rate of 159.68 and at an average of 22.88.  The left-hander will also likely keep for the franchise in this season. Shikhar Dhawan will captain the side this season. Sikandar Raza could also slot in the middle order if needed and also be a handy option.

Punjab also have an Indian wicketkeeping option in Jitesh Sharma who did well when he got his chances in the 2022 season. He had also earned an India call-up to replace Sanju Samson against Sri Lanka. The franchise will want to bag their maiden Indian T20 League title this season. There best season came in 2014 where they made it to the finals.

Let us take a look at the reactions on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/Punter47/status/1638264869421195265?s=20

https://twitter.com/hateduetotoxic/status/1638171396273770498?s=20

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