IPL 2023: Jonny Bairstow ruled out as PBKS name replacement

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Punjab Kings have confirmed Jonny Bairstow will miss the IPL 2023 as he recovers from his injury.

The England batter has not played since last August due to a freak accident while playing golf. Bairstow slipped at the side of a green six months ago, which broke his leg and left him with a dislocated ankle.

The England batter is aiming to return before the Ashes and thus has decided to opt out of the IPL this season. The hard-hitting batter will be a huge miss as he was one of the key performers for Punjab last year.

The Kings announced on Saturday, "We regret to inform you that Jonny Bairstow will not be a part of the IPL this season because of his injury. We wish him the best and look forward to seeing him next season."

Bairstow scored 253 runs for them in the IPL 2022 and was a key part of the squad. It will be a big blow for Punjab, who are aiming to break their mid-table struggle and qualify for the playoffs.

PBKS replace Bairstow with Matthew Short

Punjab have signed Australian Matthew Short as a replacement for Bairstow, who was one of the best players in the Big Bash League. Short plays for Adelaide Strikers and scored 458 runs in the last BBL, at an average of 35.2 and a superb strike rate of 144.5.

The Australian also opens the batting in T20s, and thus will be a natural replacement for Bairstow. Along with that, Short can roll his arms and bowls decent off spin, which yielded 11 wickets for him in the last BBL.

This will be the first taste of IPL for the 27-year-old uncapped Australian, who is expected to join the team soon.

Punjab will be led by Shikhar Dhawan this season after the departure of their last year's captain Mayank Agarwal. They take on two-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders on their opening match on April 1.