IPL 2023: 3 Reasons why Liam Livingstone can play crucial role for Punjab Kings' Playing XI in upcoming matches

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have managed a mixed start to the ongoing IPL. Out of the first four matches, they have won two while losing the other two games. But, fans are still waiting to see Liam Livingstone in action this year for PBKS. He failed to join the franchise as Livingstone did not get fitness clearance from ECB before the tournament started. 

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Liam Livingstone joined the squad on 10 April 2023 ahead of their clash against GT in Mohali. Regarding his availability, Coach Haddin said: "He just got off a flight, for the next couple of days, we will see where he's at. He's just come back from a long-term injury so we just had opportunity to put some eyes on him over the last 24 hours. We'll know a lot more coming in the next game".  

Here are three reasons why Liam Livingstone can be crucial for PBKS in upcoming matches:

Power-hitting abilities at the middle order

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Liam Livingstone (Image Source: Twitter)

Liam Livingstone is known for his power-hitting abilities since his introduction to International cricket. For England, he has played 42 matches so far across all three formats. In those games, he has smashed 43 sixes. Livingstone also showed the same ability in the last edition of IPL for Punjab Kings (PBKS).

In IPL 2022, Liam Livingstone smashed 34 sixes along with 29 fours. Against Gujarat Titans (GT), he smashed Mohammed Shami for 28 runs in one over in that season. One of the six went to 117m and seeing that, his teammates and fans went crazy. Hence, his power-hitting game can boost the overall performance of PBKS during the middle overs.   

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All-round abilities 

Liam Livingstone (Image Source: Twitter)

Apart from destructive batting skills, Liam Livingstone can be a handy option for PBKS skipper Shikhar Dhawan. He can be a deadly option with his off-spin and leg-spin deliveries. For England, he has taken 21 wickets so far. He has been known as a gun fielder also. In IPL 2022, Livingstone took six wickets in 14 matches.

Regarding his all-round abilities, England’s Test team head coach, Brendon McCullum heaped praises on Liam Livingstone ahead of the Pakistan series in 2022. McCullum said: “The skipper has done a wonderful job to be able to coerce him into playing. He bowls off-spin, leg spin, fields well and smacks the ball out of the park – it’s hard not to get around a player who plays like that”.  

Suited flat pitches and short boundaries

Liam Livingstone (Image Source: Twitter)

Maximum pitches in India are flat and suited to batters. Boundaries are also short in maximum grounds. Hence, a batter like Liam Livingstone will love to play and showcase his abilities against all opponents. In IPL 2023, PBKS have two home grounds. One is in Mohali and the other is in Dharamshala. 

Mohali Pitch is known as a batting paradise. However, bowlers get some assistance in Dharam shala. Still, due to its good bunce, Liam Livingston might find it easy as he is used to playing in England’s conditions. Therefore, Livingstone can be the player to watch out for fans in the upcoming matches.