3 reasons why PBKS should open with Prabhsimran Singh vs MI if Shikhar Dhawan misses out 

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are likely to have their captain Shikhar Dhawan unavailable once again for the IPL 2024 encounter against the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Mullanpur on Wednesday, April 18. The southpaw might take more than a week to recover as stated by their head of cricket development, Sanjay Bangar.

The hosts certainly missed his presence in their previous game as they set a target of just 148 and failed to defend it, resulting in a heartbreaking defeat in the final over against the Rajasthan Royals (RR).

While Punjab tried Atharva Taide at the top of the order as Shikhar Dhawan's replacement, they can have a look at someone who has already performed well for them - young Prabhsimran Singh.

With four losses already from six games, PBKS cannot afford slip-ups and here are three reasons why they should consider Prabhsimran as their opener in Dhawn's absence:

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#3 Prabhsimran Singh's record as opener for PBKS

Prabhsimran Singh has already tasted success as an opener for the Punjab Kings. He scored a sensational hundred against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium while opening the batting.

The youngster's ability to go after the bowling from the get-go is probably what PBKS need to take more advantage of the powerplay restrictions. In 17 matches as an opener in the IPL, Prabhsimran has scored 391 runs at an impressive strike rate of 143.75 with a fifty and a hundred to his name.

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#2 Jonny Bairstow's worrying form

Despite PBKS showing faith in his match-winning ability, Jonny Bairstow has had a horrible season so far with the bat. In six innings, Bairstow has scored just 96 runs at an average of 16 and a strike rate of 131.51.

Prabhsimran's ability to keep wickets may tempt PBKS to replace Bairstow at the top with the youngster. They might also consider the likes of Sikandar Raza, who would add more to the middle order alongside the likes of Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran.

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#1 The Jasprit Bumrah factor

MI's matches so far have clearly shown the gulf in quality between star speedster Jasprit Bumrah and the other options that they have. Mumbai have used Bumrah sparingly in the powerplay and have utilized him mostly when they need to get a big wicket.

With Bumrah likely to bowl the third or the fourth over of the powerplay, Prabhsimran Singh is better off opening and being set before facing the star Indian pacer. MI have trusted off-spinner Mohammad Nabi with their first over in their last two games and they could be forced to change their plans if Prabhsimran opens.