IPL 2023 Impact player: Punjab Kings substitute Bhanuka Rajpaksa after incredible half-ton; brings in Rishi Dhawan for second innings

Punjab Kings have put up a tough total of 191 runs which gave the cricket pundits a rough idea on the pitch’s conditions. Bhanuka Rajpaksha stood out to be the first PBKS player to score a half ton in the 2023 season. Rajpaksha initiated an attacking start, thanks to captain Shikhar Dhawan, who backed his players up with his 40 off 29.

But great performances from Umesh and Chakravarthy enabled KKR to regain control. After 10 overs, PBKS had a score of 100/1 and appeared poised to surpass 200.

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The innings was concluded after Sam Curran’s fine innings, bringing PBKS to a total of 191 runs.

After a great fifty, Bhanuka Rajpaksha has been rested by Punjab Kings as they imply “Impact Player” rule to bring in pacer Rishi Dhawan who can assist the team in bowling performance.

Bhanuka Rajapaksa on batting innings: I don’t think it is a typical Mohali wicket. It helped the spinners and pacers in the later part of the innings. It actually wasn’t the easiest to get set in the beginning. (On taking the attack to Narine) I think it is actually the instincts that took over when mid-off came up. I spoke to Shikhar and told him that I am going to go down the track. Surely, it is a good total on the board, we were thinking about 180-185. Hopefully, our bowlers will do well and can get us across the line. (On Trevor Bayliss’ message to him) So clear. He wants me to bat top of the order and bat with a clear mind.