‘Isko bhi RCB wale Match me ana tha’ – Fans react as Liam Livingstone likely to be included in PBKS’ playing XI against RCB

English all-rounder Liam Livingstone is likely to be a part of the Punjab Kings’ playing XI in the upcoming match of IPL 2023 against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali. Livingstone wasn’t part of the PBKS squad in their first five matches as he was waiting to get a clearance from the England and Wales Cricket Board.

The 29-year-old was in recovery mode after suffering from ankle and knee injuries and was away from action since December 2022. The PBKS also dropped a major hint of Livingstone’ availability against RCB with a post on social media with the caption, ‘There’s a new Big Show in Mohali.’

The addition of Livingstone in the squad will provide a major boost to PBKS as their skipper Shikhar Dhawan is already dealing with a shoulder niggle due to which he missed the last game against Lucknow Super Gaints. Sam Curran led the team in Dhawan’s absence.

‘He’s (Livingstone) just come back from a long-term injury’ –  Brad Haddin

Meanwhile, the franchise is dealing with injuries from the start of the season as Jonny Bairstow was ruled out of IPL 2023 due to an ankle injury. Matthew Short was called as a replacement for Bairstow in the ongoing season.

“He (Livingstone) just got off a flight, for the next couple of days, we will see where he’s at. He’s just come back from a long-term injury so we just had opportunity to put some eyes on him over the last 24 hours. We’ll know a lot more coming in the next game,” PBKS coach Brad Haddin said after PBKS lost to Gujarat Titans.

PBKS have played five matches in IPl 2023 so far, out of which, they won three and lost two. Dhawan’s men started off the season well with consecutive victories against Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals. After that, they suffered back-to-back losses against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Gujarat Titans. In the next game against LSG, PBKS found back their winning ways with a 2-wicket win and will be looking to continue their winning momentum against RCB.

Here’s a look at how fans react to the news of Liam Livingstone’s inclusion in Punjab Kings’ playing XI:

Liam Livingstone to RCB pic.twitter.com/lM9pMHvZU9

— Bharath✝️ (@Bharath14706705) April 20, 2023

https://twitter.com/SivaHITMANfan/status/1648883492456124416

https://twitter.com/SumitHo80595353/status/1648908544543191040

RCB fans after seeing this tweet pic.twitter.com/X9i3aidEv7

— MAANVEER SINGH (@MAANVEE02306316) April 20, 2023

https://twitter.com/AnujaShinde377/status/1648887122689167360

pic.twitter.com/4uXQkG3LFB

— Tippu Sultan (@Tippusultan6120) April 20, 2023

https://twitter.com/NationPassion/status/1648887346253959169

https://twitter.com/Cricket_fan_101/status/1648883472768073728

pic.twitter.com/eebsc30CTK

— bhargav anand (@melophiles_) April 20, 2023

He is coming @liaml4893 pic.twitter.com/ah9T1Ukuvj

— Marvelsony6 (@ultimatestar40) April 20, 2023