Double blow for this team ahead of RR vs PBKS clash, star duo leaves IPL 2024 midway to fly back to home

Punjab Kings, who are already eliminated from IPL 2024's playoff race, have suffered a double blow ahead of their clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR). In the pre-match conference at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, Punjab Kings assistant coach Brad Haddin confirmed that Kagiso Rabada and Liam Livingstone will be unavailable for their upcoming IPL match against Rajasthan Royals. With these players unavailable, the team may utilise this opportunity to give playing time to reserves who haven't seen much action this season

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“Yeah, there will be (changes to the Playing XI). We know Rabada’s gone home injured, so we’ve got to find a replacement. Liam Livingstone has also been called back by the ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board). There’ll be a change there also. We’ll meet later tonight to finalise the 11 or 12 that we’ll go in with. Tomorrow’s game is about going out there and expressing oneself. We are out of the tournament, which is disappointing, but it’s still another opportunity for the younger guys and the team to develop,” Haddin said.

 

Rabada is suffering from Abscesses, for which he will return back to South Africa for his treatment.

 

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PBKS face a challenging situation heading into their IPL match against RR.

 

Dhawan's continued absence

Shikhar Dhawan, who injured his shoulder while fielding against Sunrisers Hyderabad in April, remains unavailable. Sam Curran has been leading the side in his absence. Both Curran and Jonny Bairstow will be back for the match against Rajasthan Royals, but will then miss the final match due to national team commitments. This means Punjab Kings will need a new captain for their last game. Adding to their woes, English all-rounder Chris Woakes has returned home following the passing of his father, Roger Woakes.

 

PBKS have been already out of the IPL 2024 playoff race and are biting dust at the bottom of the table with just four wins in 12 matches.

 

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