Why is Liam Livingstone Not Playing Today’s IPL 2023 Match Between Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans in Mohali?

During the 18th match of the ongoing 16th season of the Indian Premier League between Punjab Kings and Gujarat Titans in Mohali, Gujarat Titans captain Hardik Pandya has won the toss and chose to bowl.

“Bowling first. Just looks like a good wicket, and from whatever I’ve seen, it’s good to chase [here]. It’s a fresh game. We’ll come out and smile, and throw some punches,” Pandya told host broadcaster Star Sports at the toss.

With him recovering from an illness, GT have made three changes to their Playing XI. Apart from Pandya, pacers Mohit Sharma (Titans debut) and Joshua Little have also been included into the Playing XI. Batter Abhinav Manohar, all-rounder Vijay Shankar and pacer Yash Dayal have been left out of the Playing XI tonight. One out of the two, however, is highly likely to be called up as an Impact Player.

Why is Liam Livingstone Not Playing Today vs Gujarat Titans?

Much like Pandya, Punjab Kings captain Shikhar Dhawan also wanted to bowl first but remained unperturbed about being asked to set a target by his counterpart.

“Were looking to bowl first. We have been playing good cricket. Quite normal to go through this [defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday] in cricket. Won’t be the first time or the last. Looking forward to put up a great show,” Dhawan told Star Sports.

It is worth a mention that the home team has also made three changes to its Playing XI. Batter Bhanuka Rajapaksa, all-rounder Rishi Dhawan and fast bowler Kagiso Rabada are part of Kings’ Playing XI in their second home match of the season. While spinners Rahul Chahar and Mohit Rathee and fast bowler Nathan Ellis have been benched, one expects Chahar to come in as a substitute in the second innings.

The development means that Punjab will continue to be without England all-rounder Liam Livingstone. Unlike their previous matches, Livingstone has joined the franchise now. However, it remains a surprise as to why he hasn’t been picked ahead of batter Matthew Short on Thursday.

Since Dhawan wasn’t asked about Livingstone at the toss, perhaps Punjab are waiting for him to recover in an optimum manner from a knee injury before playing a match. Readers must note that the 29-year old player hasn’t played a representative match in over four months now.

UPDATE: Dhawan confirmed after the match that Livingstone missed out on an outing after pulling a muscle yesterday.