In a major blow for Punjab Kings (PBKS), England wicketkeeper-batter Jonny Bairstow has been ruled out of the upcoming IPL 2023 after failing to recover from his injury, the franchise confirmed on Saturday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Punjab based franchise have named uncapped Australian batter Matthew Short as Bairstow's replacement for the 2023 season. It will be Short's maiden IPL experience.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"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," the PBKS said in a tweet.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We are pleased to welcome Matthew Short as his replacement," it added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
After sustaining multiple fractures following a freak slip on the golf course in September 2022, Bairstow has missed England's T20 World Cup-winning campaign and the following Test tours of Pakistan and New Zealand and others as well.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Recognised as one of the all-format batters, Bairstow's absence will have a massive impact on Kings' strategy. Last IPL, Bairstow scored 253 runs in 11 innings, averaging 23.00 with a strike rate of 144.57, with two half-centuries.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On the other hand, Short opened for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League recently, and was the second-highest run-getter in the tournament with 458 runs at an average of 35.23 while striking at 144.47.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
An all-format player, Short scored three centuries across first-class and List A cricket during the second half of Australia's domestic season where he plays for his home state of Victoria.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
On the other hand, Short opened for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League recently, and was the second-highest run-getter in the tournament with 458 runs at an average of 35.23 while striking at 144.47.<\/p>\r\n\r\n