It's that exciting time of the year again! The Indian Premier League (IPL) is back, bringing with it all the thrills and spills of cricket. Starting this Friday, we are in for two months of nail-biting matches and unforgettable performances. Our Punjab Kings will kick off their campaign on Saturday, March 23rd, against the Delhi Capitals in Sadda Akhada 2.0, the newly renovated Mullanpur stadium.

This season, we have put together a strong squad and have our sights set on winning the title for the first time. With the talent we have, we are confident of achieving our goal. Before our season begins, let's take a closer look at some players to watch out for.

Shikhar Dhawan: Shikhar Dhawan, fondly known as Gabbar, is a seasoned campaigner in the IPL. Dhawan's last IPL season saw him amass 373 runs in 11 matches, boasting an impressive average of 41.44. Dhawan's dedication to training suggests he's gearing up for another impactful season. Dhawan is the second-highest run-scorer in the history of the IPL, just behind Virat Kohli. He has scored 6617 runs. He is also one of only three players to register fifty 50s in the IPL.

Tanay Thyagarajann: Tanay Thyagarajann's rise to prominence has been remarkable. Hailing from Hyderabad, he caught everyone's attention with his stellar performance in the recently-concluded Ranji Trophy. Emerging as the highest wicket-taker, Tanay showcased his bowling skills with 56 wickets in just 7 matches, boasting an impressive average of 14.98. Despite being relatively new to the IPL scene, his Ranji Trophy heroics have marked him as one to watch out for in the upcoming season. We are eager to see him replicate his success on the grandest stage and become a key asset for our team.

Jonny Bairstow: Jonny Bairstow, the English dynamo, has left a lasting impression in the IPL with his explosive batting. Having been sidelined due to injury in the previous season, Bairstow will be looking forward to making a huge comeback. His IPL record speaks volumes about his capabilities: 1291 runs in 39 matches at an average of 35.86 and a staggering strike rate of 142.65. With his outstanding performances, he's established himself as one of the premier batters in the tournament. Bairstow's recent performance in T20Is, including a blistering 73 runs off 41 balls against New Zealand, indicates he's in fine form.

Liam Livingstone: Liam Livingstone's towering presence in the middle order has been a source of strength for our team. The Englishman's ability to clear the boundaries with ease makes him a dangerous asset in T20 cricket. In 2022, he amassed 437 runs at a jaw-dropping strike rate of 182.08, showcasing his power with the bat. In 2023, he scored 279 runs in 9 games, with his highest score of 94 against Delhi Capitals underlining his match-winning potential. Livingstone’s contributions in the middle order will be crucial to our team's success.

Prabhsimran Singh: Prabhsimran Singh's meteoric rise in Indian cricket has been nothing short of impressive. The young prodigy's breakthrough performances in IPL 2023 earned him a spot in the Asian Games 2023. With 358 runs at an average of 25.57 in the previous season, including a memorable century against Delhi Capitals, Prabhsimran showcased his batting strength on the big stage. His recent exploits in the Ranji Trophy further solidified his reputation as a promising talent. As he gears up for another IPL campaign, fans are eager to see Prabhsimran's aggressive stroke play and ability to anchor the innings.

Jitesh Sharma: Jitesh Sharma's journey from a promising talent to an established cricketer has been inspiring. The wicketkeeper-batter's consistent performances in the IPL earned him a call-up to the Indian side. With 543 runs in 26 matches at a staggering strike rate of 159.24, Jitesh has made a name for himself as a dependable finisher in the death overs. His ability to accelerate the run rate and clear the boundaries under pressure situations has been invaluable to our team. As Jitesh prepares to showcase his skills once again, we are hopeful for more match-winning contributions in the upcoming season.

Arshdeep Singh: Arshdeep Singh's emergence as a potent left-arm pacer has been a revelation for our team. The young bowler's performances in recent months have been nothing short of exceptional. From his stellar display in the ODI series against South Africa, where he claimed 10 wickets in 3 matches, to his standout performance in the last T20I against Afghanistan, Arshdeep has consistently delivered when it matters most. With 17 wickets in 14 games in the previous IPL season, including a memorable spell of 4 for 29, Arshdeep has established himself as a wicket-taking threat. As he prepares to lead our bowling attack once again, we are optimistic about his ability to deliver breakthroughs in crucial moments.

Sikandar Raza: Sikandar Raza's versatility as an all-rounder has been instrumental in our team's success. The Zimbabwean all-rounder’s recent performances have been nothing short of exceptional. With impressive displays in T20 cricket across various leagues and the World Cup Qualifier where he contributed with both bat and ball, Sikandar has proven his worth as a match-winner. His valuable contributions in IPL 2023, including a crucial knock against Chennai Super Kings, underscore his ability to perform under pressure.