PBKS batting coach Wasim Jaffer has mentioned that Kagiso Rabada is expected to be fit for the team’s next game, but there is still no confirmed news regarding the availability of Liam Livingstone. Both overseas players were not part of the PBKS playing XI that won against RR on April 5 in Guwahati. Liam Livingstone has not joined the PBKS squad yet as he is waiting for a fitness clearance from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). He got injured while fielding on his Test debut against Pakistan in December 2022 and has not played any competitive cricket since then. However, he has assured his fans on Twitter that he will be featuring in the ongoing IPL 2023 soon.
During the post-match press conference, PBKS batting coach Wasim Jaffer provided clarity regarding the availability of their overseas players and said, “Rabada will be available for the next game, but probably not Livingstone, I am not so sure. The manager probably knows it. Rabada probably will be available.”
On the other hand, Rabada was not available as he was included in South Africa’s team for the rescheduled ODI series against the Netherlands in their home country. Consequently, Nathan Ellis was chosen as the overseas fast bowler in Rabada’s place. Ellis performed exceptionally well and was named the player of the match for taking four wickets in PBKS’ narrow victory over RR. Addressing the potential selection dilemma in the bowling department,
Jaffer commented: “Team selection is a good headache to have, I mean players in form, playing well. It is good for the franchise, that the players are in form. It is not in my hands, but we would look for players who are in form, doing well. So, I think that is a good thing. Even though Rabada was there, Ellis showed how good he is.”
Wasim Jaffer gives update on Bhanuka Rajapaksa’s injury, stating “He should be alright for the next game, hopefully”
In addition to worrying about their overseas players who haven’t played yet, PBKS also has additional concerns about the players who are currently on the field. Bhanuka Rajapaksa got retired hurt while batting when a powerful shot from Shikhar Dhawan hit him hard on his forearm while he was standing at the non-striker’s end. As a result, he had to leave the field and did not come back to bat.
Jaffer stated: “Bhanuka Rajapaksa had a muscular injury, so he should be alright for the next game, hopefully,”
At the time of the incident, Bhanuka Rajapaksa was batting on one run and was yet to be dismissed. He had started the season on a positive note by scoring a quick fifty against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their first game of the season at Mohali.
PBKS is set to play their next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Sunday, April 9, at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
