Liam Livingstone was one of the few positives for Punjab Kings (PBKS) despite the Mayank Agarwal-led side finishing failing to qualify for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 playoffs and finishing sixth on the points table. Livingstone was roped in by the Punjab franchise in IPL 2022 mega auctions despite an impressive show in the previous season. The Englishman repaid the franchise’s faith with few match-winning knocks in the season and gave an answer to the critics.
“Obviously nice to prove a few people wrong. I had a few comments after last year's IPL. I'm still learning, still developing and hopefully playing in all these different tournaments around the world, It's all about gaining that experience and try to become a better player. I will go back to England now and and try and use what I've learnt this tournament in the next tournament,” Livingstone said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
After two unimpressive seasons with Rajasthan Royals (RR), Livingstone amassed 437 runs from 14 games at an average of 36.42 including four half-centuries. His strike rate of 182.08 has been mighty impressive. Also, he finished as the second-highest run-scorer for PBKS after opener Shikhar Dhawan. Also, at the end of league stage, he is sixth highest-run scorer in IPL 2022.
However, Livingstone proved his worth with the ball as well. The spinner bowled in the powerplay overs, middle overs and provided major breakthroughs. He bowled 23 overs and took six wickets with best bowling figures of 3/27 against Delhi Capitals.
“I love bowling, it is not the easiest thing, it does not come naturally to me, I would've probably liked to have bowl more through the tournament. Thankfully towards the end of the tournament, I got in Anil and Mayank's ear enough, that they let me bowl (smiles). The way we play the T20 game is to affect the game in all three facets and I feel I can do that and it's nice to be backed by the squad like I have been in this environment,” he concluded.
