A few days ago, it was confirmed that Jonny Bairstow would not be a part of IPL 2023. Hence, Punjab Kings have announced a replacement. Matthew Short from Australia would replace the Englishman. Here, we take a look at how Twitter reacted as Matthew Short replaces Jonny Bairstow at Punjab Kings for IPL 2023.
Matthew Short replaces Jonny Bairstow at Punjab Kings for IPL 2023
Jonny Bairstow was an important cricketer for Punjab Kings. He would have opened the innings alongside Shikhar Dhawan. This combination had done well in IPL 2022 and hence, the management had big hopes for them. However, with Bairstow getting ruled out, PBKS has been put into big trouble. The team does not have an experienced opening option and will have to rely on a new combination.
Now, PBKS has announced that Matthew Short will replace Bairstow. Short has been in good form in BBL and hence, he is a justified selection. The cricketer opens the batting and is an aggressive batter like Bairstow. Therefore, in terms of this, Short is close to being a like-to-like replacement. Moreover, Short also bowls off-spin, which would further help the franchise. These factors make this a decent pick by PBKS.
In IPL 2023, Punjab would rely heavily on its overseas players. Sam Curran and Kagiso Rabada have to come good for the bowling to work. Liam Livingstone will yet again don the role of the middle-overs aggressor, while Shahrukh Khan and Jitesh Sharma must take care of the duties with the bat in the death overs.
Twitter reacts to PBKS’ decision
There were mixed reactions to the decision by Punjab Kings. While a few appreciated Punjab for making the right move, a few others expressed that Punjab’s affinity for BBL cricketers could lead them to trouble, yet again. Here, we take a look at some of the reactions:
More than 50 percentage people pick Matt short as captain in fantasy whenever there is Adelaide strikers match..and he never disappoints too..I definitely want to see him in Australia colours as soon as possible what a player currently 40(23)* . Hoping for another century
Advertisement— Archer (@poserarcher) January 17, 2023
Bairstow is a huge miss for #PBKS but Matthew Short isn’t a bad pick either. Was absolutely sensational in the BBL. Their Indian batting is still a concern…they are likely to realise the mistake of letting go Mayank. #TataIPL
Advertisement— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) March 25, 2023
IPL is coming home 🏆 https://t.co/lEIBZMrype
Advertisement— W (@extracover_) March 25, 2023
Good call
He’s the one of good batter
He scored century in run chase (Target 230 runs in 20 overs) https://t.co/rPOGhXemY3Advertisement— Aayush Prabhu (@ohcrap_99) March 25, 2023
Still PBKS should open with Dhawan and Sam Curran and insert Sikandar Raza as a finisher. Imo. https://t.co/cyDXx3IGGd
Advertisement— Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) March 25, 2023
Ooh man PBKS jst increased their chances of qualifying more.
Top stuff man 👌👌👌 https://t.co/wgs7NZoUKhAdvertisement— Mohit Agarwal (@MohitAg77168622) March 25, 2023
Matthew Short replaces Jonny Bairstow in PBKS for IPL 2023.
AdvertisementHis performance in #BPL2023
•14 innings, 458 runs, @ 35, SR- 144— Varun Giri (@Varungiri0) March 25, 2023
