Major setback for RCB ahead of crucial showdown with CSK. Two key players depart camp. A number of marquee players from franchises like Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Punjab Kings have bid adieu to IPL 2024.
Punjab Kings’ versatile all-rounder Liam Livingstone has opted to return to England from the ongoing IPL for knee rehabilitation ahead of the forthcoming T20 World Cup. Joining him in the departure lounge are Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals), Will Jacks, and Reece Topley (Royal Challengers Bangalore), who have left the IPL to link up with the England squad ahead of the T20I series against Pakistan, commencing on May 22. With just four wins from 12 matches, Punjab Kings find themselves at the bottom of the table with eight points, already eliminated from contention in this IPL season.
Taking to Instagram, Livingstone shared, “IPL done for another year, had to get my knee sorted for the upcoming World Cup,” expressing gratitude to Punjab Kings fans for their unwavering support despite a disappointing season.
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Consequently, Livingstone will be unavailable for Punjab Kings’ remaining two matches against Rajasthan Royals (May 15) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 19). Although the injury isn’t deemed severe, the England management, per ESPNcricinfo, has opted to afford him additional recovery time ahead of their home T20I series against Pakistan.
Following the Pakistan series, the defending champions will set sail for the West Indies for their T20 World Cup campaign, opening their title defense against Scotland on June 4 in Bridgetown, Barbados.
Livingstone’s IPL campaign this season was below par, managing 111 runs from seven matches and claiming just three wickets.
Meanwhile, the other England players in the IPL who are part of the World Cup squad – Moeen Ali (Chennai Super Kings), Sam Curran, Jonny Bairstow (Punjab Kings), and Phil Salt (Kolkata Knight Riders) – are set to head home imminently.
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