Punjab Kings’ star all-rounder Liam Livingstone has joined the team ahead of their crucial Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 clash against defending champions Gujarat Titans on Thursday, April 13.

The swashbuckling England cricketer arrived in Mohali from the United Kingdom on Monday.

“Sher Squad, Livi is here,” said the Punjab Kings’ accomplished all-rounder after reaching the team hotel.

Livingstone was not available for the first three games of Punjab Kings’ IPL 2023 campaign as he was still recovering from a knee injury which ruled him out of action since December last year. He has not featured in any competitive match since making his Test debut for England against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

The Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings will receive a massive boost with the return of Livingstone.

The 29-year-old was one of the standout players for the PBKS franchise in the previous edition of the IPL.

After the Kings roped in Livingstone for INR 11.50 crore at the IPL 2022 mega-auction, the England all-rounder repaid their faith by scoring 437 runs in 14 matches at an outstanding strike rate of 182.08, while also managing a healthy average of 36.42. He smashed four half-centuries in the IPL last year.

Besides his scintillating batting displays, Livingstone also contributed as an useful off-spinner. He picked up six wickets at an economy of 8.78.

Meanwhile, the Punjab Kings have won two of their three matches in the ongoing IPL season. The Trevor Bayliss-coached outfit defeated Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals in their opening two matches before suffering their first loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday.

With four points from three matches, the Punjab Kings are currently placed sixth in the IPL 2023 standings.

The Kings will aim to bounce back against reigning champions Gujarat Titans in their upcoming IPL 2023 fixture at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on Thursday.