Punjab Kings' (PBKS) encountered a big setback during Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) with a potential injury to their star batter Liam Livingstone. During the fourth over of the LSG's batting Livingstone appeared to pull his hamstring while fielding. Unable to reach the ball, he immediately showed signs of pain.
Liam Livinstone walks off the field
The seriousness of the situation was evident as he walked off the field dejectedly, seeking medical attention. The remainder of the match, and potentially even future games, could be in jeopardy for Liam Livingstone. With the T20 World Cup looming in June, Livingstone is unlikely to risk aggravating the injury.
It came as a huge blow for PBKS as they are desperately aiming for their first playoff appearance in the IPL since 2014, and Livingstone is a crucial player in their lineup. The team will be anxiously awaiting news on the severity of the injury, hoping it won't sideline their star batsman for an extended period.
Having won the toss and elected to bat first, KL Rahul and Quinton de Kock provided a solid opening partnership, scoring 35 runs before Rahul's dismissal. The scorecard further progressed with Sam Curran sending Devdutt Padikkal back to the pavilion, leaving LSG at 55/2 after seven overs. Later LSG rode on De Kock's brilliant 38-ball 54 and stand-in captain Nicholas Pooran's lightning 21-ball 42 which was further coupled with unbeaten knock from Krunal Pandya 43 off 22. LSG ended their innings with a colossal total of 199/8 on the board. Meanwhile Sam Curran remained pick of the bowlers for PBKS with three wickets under his belt.
Through the first two matches, Livingstone has amassed 55 runs in the ongoing IPL 2024. In the opening game against Delhi Capitals, he played an unbeaten knock of 38, guiding PBKS to victory. However, his second outing against Royal Challengers Bangalore wasn't as fruitful, as he could only manage 17 runs.
Livingstone's past IPL performances
It's important to note that this initial showing is a contrast to Livingstone's past performance in the IPL. Last year, he contributed 279 runs, including two fifties. But his most successful season came in 2022, where he emerged as a batting powerhouse. That year, he smashed a career-best 437 runs, studded with four half-centuries.
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