IPL 2023: Jonny Bairstow Injury Update: Punjab Kings (PBKS) have been dealt a cruel blow just 10 days before IPL 2023. England star Jonny Bairstow has opted out of an IPL return focusing on the upcoming Ashes as his priority. Bairstow who hasn’t played competitive cricket since October is still some way off full fitness and has decided to turn up for Yorkshire instead of a mid-IPL return. As for Punjab Kings, the franchise will look for a replacement in the coming days. Follow IPL 2023 LIVE Updates on Insidesport.IN
As per The Guardian, Jonny Bairstow has shunned a mid-IPL return for the Punjab Kings in favour of some red ball preparation for the upcoming Ashes. Having broken his leg in a serious golfing mishap, England has taken a long time to recover, missing out on a T20 World Cup win and Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand.
He successfully underwent that including inserting a metal plate in his left leg. He only resumed batting in the nets last week and is still some way off competitive cricket. Bairstow would have missed most of April and decided to focus on the Ashes than rush his return for the Punjab Kings. No return date is set for the 31-year-old, and now the franchise will seek a replacement for one of their better performers last season.
Jonny Bairstow out of IPL 2023
- Bairstow has opted out of IPL 2023 as per The Guardian.
- The 31-year-old only resumed batting in the nets last week
- He hasn’t played competitive cricket since October 2022
- Instead of a mid-IPL return, Bairstow will focus on the upcoming Ashes.
Bairstow instead will turn up for Yorkshire in the County season before a return to the Test team. His absence was filled in by SRH star Harry Brook, who cracked four centuries in his first six appearances. While Brendon McCullum confirmed Bairstow returns straight to the side when fit, it remains to be seen where he bats or does he keep wickets.
For Punjab, Jitesh Sharma will take the gloves in Bairstow’s absence. SriLanka star Bhanuka Rajapaksa is also a handy wicket keeping option for the franchise. They begin their campaign on April 1 against Kolkata Knight Riders at home. The team has a new captain with Shikhar Dhawan leading the side replacing Mayank Agarwal.
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