PBKS vs RR IPL 2024 Match 27: Will Liam Livingstone Return To Punjab Kings Line Up Against Rajasthan Royals?

Punjab Kings look to bounce back from a narrow defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad when they host table-toppers Rajasthan Royals on Saturday (April 13) at the new PCA Stadium - Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Stadium in Mullanpur.

After an impressive stand between Shashank Singh and Ashutosh Sharma helped pull off a stunning win away from home against Gujarat Titans, the duo came close to repeating the feat against SRH at home, but fell agonisingly short by 2 runs.

Shikhar Dhawan-led side have been forced to play without one of their key overseas player Liam Livingstone in the recent two matches. But there could be a boost on that front as the all-rounder is close to full fitness.

Livingstone missed the matches due to an hamstring issue which he picked up in PBKS' clash against Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow. The England star left the field immediately, but came out to bat later in the match.

Although he walked out to bat, that injury picked up when fielding seemed to have hampered the England all-rounders batting and running between the wickets, resulting in him sitting out in the last two matches.

Zimbabwe all-rounder Sikandar Raza replaced the England star in the two games, but contributed less than a run-a-ball 15, and conceded 22 in his 2 overs in the first match. He, however, made a useful 28 off 22 balls in the second match.

With Livingstone likely to be fit for the match against RR, PBKS may be tempted to make a change immediately for the clash against table-topper in Mullanpur tonight as a win will see them go up to 6 points.

Will Liam Livingstone play for Punjab Kings against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2024 Match 27?

Liam Livingstone injury update: The England all-rounder was seen hitting big against the spinners in the nets, but his return to the playing 11 will be decided only before the match as per fast bowling coach Charl Langeveldt.

If fully fit, Livingstone is likely to come in as replacement for Raza as PBKS may persist with another England star Jonny Bairstow in the playing 11 for some more time. There is also a good chance for PBKS to rest him for another game rather than rushing him back.

But with nine games left in the league phase and other teams all edging ahead in the early playoff race, PBKS may look to play their strongest possible team in the upcoming matches, including tonight's game against RR.