Punjab kings have been one of the most underperforming teams in the history of the Indian premier league(IPL). The Punjab-based team had their best finish in IPL 2014 when they ended as the runners-up. PBKS have flattered to deceive over the last few years. More often than not, they have made a bright start to a season only to fade away later in the tournament. The instability in their batting line-up is a primary reason for their inconsistent performances. In 2021, KXIP changed their name to PBKS. Let us take a look at the all-time best PBKS XI in Ipl history.
Chris Gayle:
Chris Gayle will feature at the top of the order in this all-time best PBKS XI. The Jamaican, who was picked almost as an after-thought by PBKS in the IPL 2018 auctions, did not let the team down. Gayle, who was let go by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), showed that he had not lost his mojo while playing for PBKS. The burly West Indian smashed 858 runs in his two seasons with PBKS, at a healthy average of 40.85 and an outstanding strike rate of 150.26.
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KL Rahul:
Kl Rahul will accompany Gayle at the top order in the all-time best PBKS XI. The Karnataka opener has been in breathtaking form since he joined PBKS. Rahul also joined PBKS after playing for RCB in 2016,17. In his debut season for PBKS, he scored 659 runs at an average of 54.91. He played for PBKS from 2018-2021, he parted ways with PBKS before the 2022 mega auction and was picked by the new team LUCKNOW SUPERGIANTS. Overall he has scored 2548 runs for PBKS at an average of 138.21 and scored 2 centuries.
Shaun Marsh:
Shaun Marsh would play the sheet anchor's role in this all-time PBKS XI. The graceful Australian would be the perfect foil for the host of stroke players in the PBKS top-order. Marsh is the highest run-scorer for PBKS in the history of the IPL. He has aggregated 2477 runs at an average of 39.95, and a strike rate of 132.74. The left-hander also had the privilege of being the first winner of the Orange cap in the inaugural season of the IPL in 2008.
Yuvraj Singh:
Yuvraj Singh would be the only Indian batsman in the PBKS middle-order. The aggressive southpaw did not have a particularly good outing for PBKS, especially with the bat, but would still be the best choice among Indian middle-order batsmen. Singh scored 959 runs for PBKS at a below-par average of 22.30 and a strike rate of 127.86. But he had his best moments for PBKS with the ball. Although he only took 14 wickets for the Punjab outfit, it includes two hat-tricks in IPL 2009. The dashing middle-order batsman would provide a good backup spin bowling option in this PBKS all-time XI.
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Liam Livingstone:
Liam Livingstone is one of the most famous players in recent times. Whether it is International or other T20 leagues he is showing his ability and all-round performances. He played for RR in 2019 and 2021 but his performances were very poor for RR. In Ipl 2022 he was picked by PBKS and he didn't disappoint the fans. He scored 437 runs in 14 matches with 4 fifties at an average of 36.42 at a strike rate of 182.08.
David Miller:
David Miller would take the final middle-order spot in the all-time PBKS batting line-up. The South African was one of the most consistent performers for PBKS in his first few seasons. But his performance graph seems to have tapered off in the last couple of years. After Marsh, Miller is the highest run-scorer for PBKS. The left-hander has aggregated 1850 runs at an average of 34.25 and a strike rate of 138.78.
Also Read | All time best KKR XI in Ipl history
Irfan Pathan:
Irfan Pathan would be the only all-rounder in this all-time PBKS XI. The Baroda left-arm swing bowler is the fourth-highest wicket-taker for PBKS. Pathan picked up 47 wickets for PBKS at an average of 24.80 and an acceptable economy rate of 7.79. He gave a decent account of himself with the bat as well, aggregating 603 runs at an average of 25.12 and a strike rate of 131.08.
Piyush Chawla:
Piyush Chawla would play the attacking leg-spinner's role in this all-time PBKS line-up. The Uttar Pradesh spin bowler is the most capped player for PBKS and also their highest-taker. Chawla has accounted for 84 wickets for PBKS in the IPL, doing so at an average of 26.63 and an economy rate of 7.52. He can also be a handy lower-order batsman who can score some quick runs.
Also Read | All time best SRH XI in Ipl history
Ravichandran Ashwin:
Ravichandran Ashwin would be the other spin bowler in this all-time XI for PBKS. The Tamil Nadu off-spinner also captained the Punjab outfit. Ashwin picked up 25 wickets for PBKS, at an average of 32.40 and an economy rate of 7.66. Although these are not flattering numbers, he would be a part of this all-time XI for his experience and leadership qualities.
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Mohammed Shami:
Mohammed Shami would spearhead the all-time PBKS pace attack. The Bengal pace bowler showcased his credentials in IPL 2019. Shami accounted for 19 scalps in IPL 2019, doing so at an average of 24.68. Although his economy of 8.68 was marginally on the higher side, he more than made up for it with his wicket-taking prowess. He took 58 wickets for PBKS from 2019-2021. He parted ways with PBKS and joined GT in IPL 2022.
Sandeep Sharma:
The Punjab medium-pacer, who generates prodigious swing with the new ball, has proved to be an asset with his ability to pick up wickets in the power-play. Sharma is the second highest wicket-taker for PBKS, behind only Piyush Chawla. He has snared 71 wickets for the franchise at an average of 22.35 and an economy rate of 7.77. He is one of the most underrated bowlers in the IPL.
