GT vs PBKS IPL 2024 Match 17: Who Will Replace Liam Livingstone in Punjab Kings Clash With Gujarat Titans?

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Punjab Kings is likely to be without key batter Liam Livingstone for the IPL 2024 Match 17 against Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Thursday (April 4).

Livingstone had suffered a hamstring injury when fielding during the match against Lucknow Super Giants. He left the field, but came out to bat later in the run chase. However, that injury hampered the England all-rounders batting and running between the wickets.

Although there is a chance he could still play based on his fitness, Livingstone's social media activity may have hinted that he is likely to sit this match against Gujarat Titans out. On his Instagram story, Livingstone had posted "Rehab" with two expressionless emojis.

If the England all-rounder does play, it will be a big boost for the Kings, but what if he is not fit to play any part today? Who will replace him if he fails the fitness test?

Who will replace Livingstone in PBKS line up vs GT?

Punjab Kings have a capable replacement in Zimbabwe's star all-rounder Sikandar Raza, who can bat at a swift pace and also roll his arm over for 4 overs if the wickets assist the spinners. So, Raza will be the obvious pick if PBKS opt for like-for-like change.

If PBKS want to make more changes to their playing 11, they could bring in a pure batter like Rilee Rossouw or if they want to tinker their bowling line up they have Chris Woakes and Nathan Ellis to call on.

While they have four options to replace Livingstone in the line up for today's match, Raza seems to be the best possible option to take the spot due to his all-round ability as a spin bowling option.

Raza has so far played 7 matches for PBKS, scoring 139 runs including a match-winning fifty at a strike rate of 141.84, and also claimed 3 wickets in 12 overs at an economy rate of 9.92.

Punjab Kings, who opened their campaign with a victory over Delhi Capitals in their new home in Mullanpur, have since lost in two matches on their visits to Bengaluru and Lucknow against Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Lucknow Super Giants respectively.