IPL 2023: Punjab Kings' Liam Livingstone expected to return to action from 13th April

The English powerhouse, Liam Livingstone is likely to join Punjab Kings before their game against Gujarat Titans on April 13.

One of the most anticipated arrivals of IPL 2023, Liam Livingstone is expecting ECB's clearance for IPL and may join the team before Punjab Kings' fixture against Gujarat Titans on April 13. The dashing player will though miss PBKS' next game scheduled against Sunrisers Hyderabad. After an injury scare to Bhanuka Rajapaksha in the last game, Liam Livingstone's news of arrival will come as a big boost to the team. There is no clarity from the team yet on the extent of Rajapaksha's injury which he sustained in the last game.

Liam Livingstone, who made his Test debut against Pakistan a while back and injured his knee, hasn't played competitive cricket since then. It will be interesting to see whether he finds his form right away or will it be a long road for him in IPL 2023.

"I'm getting there, finally," Livingstone said on LancsTV's coverage of Lancashire's opening County Championship fixture against Surrey. "It's been a long road: three or four days a week at the gym over the last three or four months. Maybe towards the end of this week, or start of next week, I'll fly out to India and get going again.

One of the biggest talks for the Punjab Kings last year was their hot purchase of Liam Livingstone. The Englishman lived up to the billing and amassed 437 runs with a whopping strike rate of 182.08 and chipped in with six wickets. His presence provides the perfect balance to the Kings' setup. Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone in the middle order will be the key players for PBKS.

Punjab Kings eye a hat trick of wins in their next game against Sunrisers Hyderabad

Under the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan, Punjab Kings have looked ruthless in their first two games. In the absence of their first-choice overseas stars, the Kings have made it two wins in a row. The first win against Kolkata Knight Riders turned out to be a cakewalk in the end. For their second victory against Rajasthan Royals, they had to dig in their nails a bit.

Bhanuka Rajapaksha fired up a half-century in the first game whereas the opening duo of Shikhar Dhawan and Prabhsimran Singh took over the duties with the latter scoring his maiden IPL half-century. Nathan Ellis made the most of the opportunities in both games for the Kings. Picking up five wickets in just two games with an impressive economy of 8.14 has made his case strong. It will be interesting to see the selection of the four overseas players when Liam joins the camp.

For more updates, follow Khel Now Cricket on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube and join our community on Telegram.