Jonny Bairstow makes his debut for the Punjab Kings as the side takes on Hardik Pandya-led Gujarat Titans at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai on Friday. For the Titans two debutants Sai Sudarshan and Darshan Nalkande come in the playing 11.
Going with the trend this season, Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to bowl first.
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He added that Vijay Shankar and Varun Aaron miss the game with injuries.
“Going to bowl first because I think dew might be a factor later. We had a couple of good games where things went our side. Lot of courage shown by the boys. Two forced changes. Vijay misses out, Varun as well. Two debutants – Sai Sudarshan and Darshan,” Pandya said after winning the toss.
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Jonny Bairstow replaced Bhanuka Rajapaksha in the Punjab Kings’ playing 11.
“Would’ve liked to bowl first as well but it is what it is. Did well last game batting first. Guys are taking a lot of responsibility. Have a lot of leaders in our side, makes my job easier. Bairstow comes in for Rajapaksa,” PBKS skipper Mayank Agarwal said.
Ahead of the game, Bairstow had said that he is looking forward to the new season with a new franchise.
“We are two from three but the brand of cricket that the guys are playing is great. It’s a new journey, joining a new family, of course you want to impress, put your best foot forward and it’s all about learning. Training’s gone well. It’s part and parcel – you go from T20 cricket, like we had for the World Cup, straight to the Ashes. This is just a role-reversal. Not sure yet (when asked if he’d keeping), I’ll keep you waiting,” he said.
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Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Mayank Agarwal(c), Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow(w), Jitesh Sharma, Shahrukh Khan, Odean Smith, Kagiso Rabada, Rahul Chahar, Vaibhav Arora, Arshdeep Singh
Gujarat Titans (Playing XI): Matthew Wade(w), Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Hardik Pandya(c), David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Abhinav Manohar, Rashid Khan, Lockie Ferguson, Mohammed Shami, Darshan Nalkande
