After progressing to Qualifier 2, Mumbai Indians (MI) opener and former skipper Rohit Sharma was in the headlines for his mind-blowing innings and for an old video where he mentioned the name Jitendra Bhatawadekar.

The interesting fact for which cricket fans are starting to revisit video is the short form of Jitendra Bhatawadekar, which is J.B.; that's similar to Jonny Bairstow's initial.

The promotion video where Rohit picked Jitendra Bhatawadekar was shot before the beginning of IPL 2025. To make this situation clouded with more speculations or amazements, after their successful match against Gujarat Titans (GT) at the Eliminator, Mumbai Indians from there shared a post with a picture and captain where we can see Rohit Sharma and Jonny Bairstow stepping into the field together, and the caption said, 'Jitendra Bhatawadekar' instead of Bairstow, with a caption 'IYKYK' (If You Know You Know).

Read More: Bangladesh suffer major setback in latest T20I rankings – Is this their lowest point in cricketing history?

Against Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator match, Jonny Bairstow combined with Rohit Sharma to stitch an 84-run partnership in the opening wicket. While the English batter departed for 47 off 22, Rohit went strong and got 81 runs, which helped Mumbai Indians to post a mammoth 228 in the first innings. Sai Sudharsan tried to lead Gujarat to a heroic win, but they eventually fell short by 20 runs. 

Here is the social media post which amazed cricket fans

Rohit Sharma 🤝 𝐉itendra 𝐁hatawadekar - a superb 8️⃣4️⃣ (44) runs partnership 🔥

IYKYK... 👀😉#MumbaiIndians #PlayLikeMumbai #TATAIPL #GTvMI pic.twitter.com/sO2rbjeG14

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) May 30, 2025

The source of the 'mystery'

Before the beginning of the ongoing IPL, Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav featured in a Dream11 promotion video with two Bollywood stars, Ranbir Singh and Aamir Khan. Sharma and Singh were facing challenges from Yadav and Khan to build their dream 11. So, as per the rules, they started to pick their favorite cricketers simultaneously. 

At that moment, Rohit picked up Jitendra Bhatawadekar. But who is he? Later, Sharma himself confessed that he had no idea what he was talking about and took a random name to confuse their opponent. As of now, there is no player named Jitendra Bhatawadekar in the cricket circuit. 

Watch the promo video here 

Aamir ke liye, Bhatawadekar ko dhundna mushkil hi nahi namumkin hai! 😎

Aapne apni team banayi ki nahi? 🤔#Dream11 #AapkiTeamMeinKaun pic.twitter.com/PE11RhzXR6

— Dream11 (@Dream11) March 21, 2025

Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians got a strong start against the IPL 2022 champions Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator of the IPL 2025. GT fielders Sai Sudharsan and Gerald Coetzee teamed up for a stunning catch to bring the first wicket, as that catch dismissed dangerous MI opener Jonny Bairstow just before completion of his half-century. 

After Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya chose to bat first, Mumbai Indians openers Rohit Sharma and Jonny Bairstow provided a strong start with 79/0 at the end of the powerplay. They had an 84-run partnership for the first wicket, before Jonny Bairstow was dismissed in the eighth over after scoring 47 off 22 balls with the help of four fours and three sixes. 

WATCH: Brydon Carse took blinder catch off Shai Hope in ENG vs WI first ODI

Jonny Bairstow was dismissed after a superb work by Sai Sudharsan and Gerald Coetzee

Bairstow went for a reverse-sweep to the left-arm spinner Sai Kishore. Backward point fielder Sai Sudharsan, the Orange Cap holder, made a desperate dive to his left and pushed the ball towards the short third fielder Gerald Coetzee, who comfortably completed that catch to dismiss the English cricketer. It was a much-needed breakthrough for Gujarat Titans.  

Top teamwork 🫡

Sai Sudharsan 🤝 Gerald Coetzee

Jonny Bairstow departs after an entertaining 47(22).

Updates ▶ https://t.co/R4RTzjQfph #TATAIPL | #GTvMI | #Eliminator | #TheLastMile pic.twitter.com/Om1nYyNDAT

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 30, 2025

Mumbai Indians scored 228/5 

Mumbai Indians ultimately managed to score 228/5 in 20 overs. Rohit Sharma smashed 81 off 50 balls with the help of nine fours and four sixes. In-form Suryakumar Yadav managed another 25+ knock by scoring 33 off 20 balls (one four and three sixes), while Tilak Varma (25 off 11 balls; three sixes) and skipper Hardik Pandya (22 not out off nine balls; three sixes) played useful cameos to set up a big total in the Eliminator. 

Jonny Bairstow took Prasidh Krishna on a thrilling roller coaster ride, which did not end well for the India pacer. Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans (MI vs. GT) are facing each other at the Eliminator match of IPL 2025. The England international has come into the MI squad as the replacement of Will Jacks.

The keeper-batter from England, without making any delay, showed his true colors, and Prasidh Krishna was the victim in his second over of the match. In the 4th over of the first innings, the GT pacer found himself in between a storm named Jonny Bairstow.

The over started off with a maximum. Krishna served a short, outside-the-off-stump delivery in front of the Englishman, and he utilized it to the maximum. For the second delivery, the Gujarat skipper made some adjustments in the field, moving a fielder from the point region, and Bairstow saw the opportunity to hit a four.

Read More: Former Indian Cricketer Passes Away After Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Mumbai Indians got the exact start they needed to ignite the innings 

The 35-year-old English cricketer slapped the ball over the point for a 4. After a dot ball in the third delivery, the star batter replied with a couple of 6s and a 4 to wrap the over.

Bairstow - 44* (17).
Rohit - 33* (19).

MUMBAI INDIANS 79/0 AFTER POWERPLAY IN THE ELIMINATOR. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/gNCdrTH4o4

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 30, 2025

After a blazing stint, the right-handed batter narrowly missed his half-century in this crucial match against Gujarat Titans. Bairstow departed for 47 off 22 and fell short against Sai Kishore in the 8th over of the innings. 

Watch that intense moment here

It's turning out to be a DREAM DEBUT for #MI! 🤩💙#JonnyBairstow smokes #PrasidhKrishna deep into the stands like he’s been here all season! 🙌🏻

LIVE NOW ➡ https://t.co/ratPT4LZKS#IPLPlayoffs | #Eliminator 👉 #GTvMI on Star Sports Network & JioHotstar!#MumbaiIndians… pic.twitter.com/agtQevWXVl

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) May 30, 2025

The Mumbai Indians have just dropped exciting news for their fans! Jonny Bairstow, a prominent cricketer who has been leading Yorkshire this year, announced on social media that he’ll be joining the Mumbai Indians for the remainder of the IPL season as a replacement for Will Jacks. The announcement, made on May 20, 2025, has sparked a wave of enthusiasm among fans, who are eager to see how this talented player will contribute to the team’s campaign. Bairstow shared his gratitude to Yorkshire for their support and expressed his excitement about returning to the IPL with Mumbai Indians.

In his heartfelt post, Bairstow reflected on the tough decision to leave Yorkshire mid-season, noting how much he’s enjoyed leading the club. However, the opportunity to play for Mumbai Indians, one of the IPL’s most successful franchises, was too good to pass up. The Mumbai Indians, known for their dynamic gameplay and passionate fanbase, have consistently been a dominant force in the IPL, and Bairstow’s addition is expected to bring fresh energy to the squad. His experience and leadership skills could prove vital as the team pushes through the latter stages of the tournament.

The announcement has already created a buzz on social media, with hashtags like #MumbaiIndians and #IPL trending among cricket enthusiasts. Bairstow’s post concluded with an enthusiastic message to Mumbai fans, saying he can’t wait to “get started and experience the energy of Mumbai.” His optimism is infectious, and fans are already counting down to his first match in the Mumbai Indians jersey.

Instagram story of Jonny Bairstow, the new member of One Family 💙 pic.twitter.com/fPLPPgEXjo

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) May 20, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla steps into calm Abhishek Sharma-Digvesh Rathi clash

What’s Next for Jonny Bairstow and Mumbai Indians?

As the IPL season progresses, all eyes will be on Bairstow to see how he adapts to the fast-paced environment of the tournament. His track record suggests he’ll bring a mix of aggressive batting and strategic thinking to the team, which could be a game-changer for Mumbai Indians.

The team’s management will likely be working on integrating him into their strategies quickly, especially with the playoffs approaching. Fans are hopeful that Bairstow’s arrival will help Mumbai Indians secure another IPL title, adding to their illustrious history.

Jonny Bairstow is in talks to join Mumbai Indians as a temporary replacement for Will Jacks, if the team makes it to the playoffs. Jacks has returned to India and is expected to play MI’s last two league matches, but he won’t be available for the playoffs due to England’s ODI series against West Indies, which clashes with the rescheduled knockout matches. According to Reports, Bairstow could step in for him, as long as he gets the required No-Objection Certificate (NOC).

Bairstow went unsold in last year’s auction and hasn’t played for England since June 2024. If everything goes as planned, he’ll fly to India after leading Yorkshire against Surrey in the County Championship this week. He would miss one Championship game and a couple of T20 Blast matches if he joins MI.

The experienced English batter has played 50 IPL games across five seasons, turning out for Sunrisers Hyderabad (2019-2021) and Punjab Kings (2022, 2024). He has a great record, with an average of 34.54 and a strike rate of 144.45. He also has two IPL hundreds, including a memorable one during a record chase at Eden Gardens last season against KKR.

🚨 JONNY BAIRSTOW IN IPL. 🚨

- Bairstow set to replace Will Jacks in Mumbai Indians' squad for IPL 2025. (Espncricinfo). pic.twitter.com/5ltgPgY4zX

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 15, 2025

Will Jacks has been an important player for MI this season, featuring in 11 of their first 12 games. He has scored 195 runs and taken five wickets with his off-spin. He was named Player of the Match in two key home wins against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants.

ALSO READ: IPL 2025: Lucknow Super Giants sign New Zealand quick as replacement for Mayank Yadav

Mumbai Indians are currently in fourth place on the points table, with two league games left against Delhi Capitals on May 21 and Punjab Kings on May 26. After a slow start to the season, they bounced back with six wins in a row, but lost narrowly to Gujarat Titans just before the tournament was paused due to tensions between India and Pakistan. MI could also lose Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch for the playoffs, as both have been picked in South Africa’s squad for the World Test Championship final next month.

Achieving a century in the IPL, with all its attendant pressures, is praiseworthy in itself, but completing it while chasing is an entirely different story filled with layers of complexity and excitement. Some of the hard-hitting batters in IPL have performed miraculous turnarounds all by themselves, which have truly been marvels of sporting theatrics. Following is the list of the best chasers and the fastest centuries completed in IPL history.

Yusuf Pathan – 100 in 37 Balls

Yusuf Pathan has single-handedly set the record for the fastest hundred in a run chase, who in 2010, while playing for Rajasthan Royals, had a jaw-dropping 100 off only 37 balls. Pathan almost propelled RR to chase a gigantic target against the Mumbai Indians, and although they fell just short, his innings remains one of the most iconic in IPL history.

David Miller – 100 in 38 Balls

David Miller has unfathomably earned the title of “Killer Miller,” which is in line with the ruthless persona he displayed when playing for the Kings XI IPL franchise. Just in 2013, while playing against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Miller had a phenomenal unbeaten run scoring 101 with just 38 balls. his onslaught was remarkable in turning what was a daunting target into a thrilling victory, and that innings is often hailed as one of the best in IPL history

Also read: RR vs RCB IPL Match Live streaming: Where & How to watch on TV

Abhishek Sharma – 100 in 40 Balls

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Abhishek Sharma showcased immaturity with 100 runs off 40 balls in IPL 2025. This dazzling performance has landed him a spot in the 2025 IPL elite club. In a Sunrisers Hyderabad chase, the talented young batter proved he could bat with both power and grace, which was a sight to behold. This performance further elevated his stature in Indian cricket.

Will Jacks—100 runs off 41 Balls

In IPL 2025, while competing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Will Jacks amazed fans with 100 runs off 41 balls. Jacks single-handedly led RCB to victory and nine runs over Sunrisers Hyderabad. His precise placement and powerful striking helped RCB secure a dominating win, further solidifying his reputation as an explosive player in the league, as his performance goes down in the history of IPL as one of the most destructive knocks ever.

Also read: LSG VS CSK : Match 30 Weather and Pitch Report – IPL 2025

Jonny Bairstow—100 runs off 45 Balls

In IPL, the England opener scored a mind-blowing century while chasing in 45 balls and maintained the trademark aggression and flamboyance he is known for. This knock ushered his team toward pivotal momentum in a close match, solidifying his image as one of the most fearful top-order batters in the IPL.

Regardless of how many T20 competitions emerge in other countries each year, the Indian Premier League remains the most-watched cricket league globally. The 2018 edition promises a thrill, with each squad vying for the prized trophy. This year's mega auction included 1574 registered players, with the BCCI settling on a total of 574 names going under the hammer.

366 names were Indian/domestic players, 208 are overseas cricketers, including three associate nation players, were under all the teams radar between November 24th and 25th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. However, this year's IPL mega auction has generated some surprise buyers and unsold talents throughout the years, causing a lot of debate among fans and critics. Here is a list of five renowned players who went unsold during the IPL Auction and deserved to make it through the lucrative cricket competition, even after their stupendous contributions. 

David Warner

David Warner, the swashbuckling left-hand batter from down under, has got unsold in the ongoing 2025 IPL Mega Auction, which has undoubtedly raised the eyebrows of many. David Warner, an IPL icon, is a former winning captain who has led Sunrisers Hyderabad to their first-ever title in 2016. Despite his outstanding league record, his past two seasons were ordinary, especially given his lofty expectations.

As a result, when his name was called, no franchise raised their paddles, and the former IPL captain went unsold at the auction. In 184 matches, he has made 6565 runs at an average of over 40 while striking 62 half-centuries and four centuries, making him the fourth-highest run-getter in IPL. 

Sourav Ganguly

Sourav Ganguly, an Indian cricketing star, was released by his home team, the Kolkata Knight Riders, and 'Dada' found plenty of suitors at the 2011 auction. Indeed, it was a shock for many fanatics and critics, and they raised their voices and protested the Knight Rider's big step for a brief period.

Despite Ganguly being signed by the Pune Warriors (gone) during the season to replace the injured Ashish Nehra, it served as a clear reminder that teams valued form and age over fame and notoriety. In 59 IPL appearances, he scored 1349 runs at an average of more than 25 and took ten wickets.  

Jonny Bairstow

Jonny Bairstow of England and David Warner had a devastating opening combination against Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, since joining Punjab Kings, the Yorkshire batter has battled for consistency. Despite his lack of form, Bairstow's ability to keep wickets would have been advantageous for the teams, but they chose not to pursue that option, leaving the player unsold. 

Bairstow, with a base price of 2 crore, failed to generate any interest across all the franchises. His poor recent results over the last two seasons are a big reason why the English power hitter has found no admirers in Jeddah. In his IPL career, he has played half a century of matches and amassed 1589 runs, averaging over 35. He has struck nine half-centuries and two centuries.

See Also: IPL 2025: Top 5 Most Overpriced Players from the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Steve Smith

Former Australia captain Steve Smith is considered in the same breath as Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root, together known as the 'Fab Four'. However, Smith's fortunes in the IPL have not been kind.

The great batter, who guided Rising Pune SuperGiants to the IPL final way back in 2017, has played for four teams: Pune Warriors India, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, and the Delhi Capitals. Not to forget he has pulled the Rising Pune Supergiant to their first-ever final, though they ended as runners-up. Smith went unsold in both the 2022 and 2024 auctions. In 103 matches, he has scored a total of 2485 runs, averaging at 35.  

Hashim Amla

Hashim Amla was drafted by Kings XI Punjab in 2016 to replace the injured Shaun Marsh. Amla established a strong case for himself as a credible opening batsman. The speedy player scored 577 runs in 16 matches, including two centuries and three half-centuries, for an average of 44.38.

The South African icon was genuinely excellent for Kings XI Punjab at the top of the order, but he went unsold in the IPL 2018 and 2019 auctions. Despite being statistically extremely good in limited-overs cricket, none of the IPL clubs selected him, leading him to announce his retirement immediately from international cricket.

When Jonny Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh opened the innings for Punjab Kings, they faced a monumental challenge; no team had ever chased down a total of over 260 in T20 cricket history. With the scoreboard reading a daunting 262, the task seemed nearly insurmountable, and understandably, few believed Punjab Kings had a realistic chance of achieving this feat.

However, defying the odds, the Punjab Kings batters embarked on an extraordinary display of cricket, delivering what can only be described as one of the most explosive batting performances ever seen in the sport. In a stunning exhibition of power hitting, Bairstow and Singh, along with their teammates, not only chased down the target but did so with eight balls to spare, remarkably losing only two wickets in the process. This historic chase shattered expectations and records alike, marking a momentous occasion in T20 cricket history.

See Also: IPL 2024: Player Analysis: How did Yuzvendra Chahal become a bonafide IPL legend?

Key Reasons Behind Punjab Kings Unbelievable Victory

Facing a nearly insurmountable target, Jonny Bairstow and Prabhsimran Singh, two batsmen struggling with form, stepped up to open for the Punjab Kings in a high-pressure scenario. Bairstow, freshly reinstated in the starting XI after being dropped, had a meager average of 16.00 for the season, while Prabhsimran wasn’t faring much better with an average of 19.25 and no individual scores surpassing 40. Compounding their challenges, Punjab had the lowest powerplay strike rate of all teams in IPL 2024, at just 130.6.

Despite these discouraging statistics and a backdrop of underperformance, Bairstow and Prabhsimran led a stunning turnaround in the game on April 26th. In a defiant display of aggression and skill, they propelled the Punjab Kings to score 93 runs in the powerplay—the fourth-highest powerplay score in IPL history. This remarkable start not only defied their previous form but also set the stage for one of the most unexpected and thrilling chases in the annals of T20 cricket.

Despite a strong start, the Punjab Kings still faced a challenging situation with 85 runs needed off the final 45 balls, a scenario where a couple of good overs from the opposition could swing the match back to an even contest. At this critical juncture, Shashank Singh walked in to bat, a decision that significantly altered the course of the game.

Shashank had been a consistent performer for the Kings throughout the season, albeit from a lower-order position. Despite his proven capabilities, the team management had been hesitant to promote him up the batting order. Finally, in this high-pressure situation, they decided to make the strategic adjustment. This move was uncharted territory for both Shashank and the team, injecting a degree of uncertainty into the match.

However, the decision to promote Shashank proved to be a tactical masterstroke. He delivered his best performance of the season, playing a pivotal knock that not only addressed the immediate challenge but also carried his team across the finish line. His innings underlined his value as a versatile player capable of stepping up when needed the most, thereby justifying the faith placed in him and securing a memorable victory for the Punjab Kings.

The match began with anticipation as Prabhsimran Singh and Jonny Bairstow stepped onto the pitch for the chase of 262 runs against KKR. Facing Chameera’s deliveries, Bairstow wasted no time making his mark, smashing a boundary off the fourth ball, setting the tone for Punjab Kings.

Bairstow’s Dominance

Harshit Rana took up the ball next, but Bairstow proved a formidable opponent, sending the ball soaring over the long-on boundary for a massive SIX. Meanwhile, Rossouw joined the action, breaking his four-dot streak with a boundary of his own.

See Also: Netizens question KKR for sending Shreyas ahead of Rinku Singh

As Harshit Rana continued his spell, Bairstow showcased his prowess with a mistimed shot that still cleared extra covers for a SIX, propelling him to a well-deserved FIFTY. Andre Russell entered the attack, but Bairstow, greeting him with a boundary, remained unfazed.

Bairstow’s Milestone

In a stunning display of skill and determination, Bairstow reached a century in just 45 balls, solidifying his reputation as a powerhouse batsman. Jonny Bairstow becomes the FIRST player to score an IPL century while chasing 250+ total.

Fastest IPL hundreds for PBKS (by balls faced)
38 – David Miller vs RCB, Mohali, 2013
45 – Mayank Agarwal vs RR, Sharjah, 2020
45 – Jonny Bairstow vs KKR, Kolkata, 2024
49 – Wriddhiman Saha vs KKR, Bengaluru, 2014 final

Punjab Kings’ Created History

With KKR setting a formidable target of 261/6 at the Eden Gardens, PBKS have a golden opportunity to surpass the highest IPL chase and etch their name in the annals of T20 cricket history with the most successful chase ever.

Blistering Start by Punjab Kings

PBKS wasted no time launching a fierce assault on the opposition bowlers, courtesy of a breathtaking century by Jonny Bairstow in just 45 balls. Bairstow’s explosive innings set the tone for Punjab Kings’ chase, instilling hope and excitement among fans witnessing the unfolding drama at the Eden Gardens.

T20 Record for Highest Successful Chase

While IPL matches have witnessed thrilling chases over the years, the overall T20 record for the most successful chase currently rests with South Africa. However, with PBKS’s ambitious pursuit of KKR’s imposing total, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing history being made on the hallowed grounds of Eden Gardens.

High Scores in IPL 2024 Season

The ongoing season of the IPL has witnessed a surge in high-scoring matches, with teams consistently posting 250-plus scores. Sunrisers Hyderabad, in particular, have set new benchmarks by recording the two highest scores ever in IPL and T20 franchise cricket, adding to the excitement and intensity of the tournament.

Highest successful IPL run-chases

Highest successful T20 run-chases

Several key players in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 are facing the prospect of early exits from the tournament due to their international commitments. These players, integral to their IPL franchises, are likely to depart earlier than expected, leaving a void in their teams’ line-ups. Let’s know about the details of these potential departures and their impact on the ongoing IPL season.

Reece Topley (RCB)

Representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Reece Topley is an essential component of England’s T20 World Cup plans. Scheduled to leave in the third week of May, Topley’s absence could pose a challenge for RCB’s bowling lineup as they strive for success in the IPL.

Sikandar Raza (PBKS)

Playing for Punjab Kings (PBKS), Sikandar Raza is expected to bid adieu to the IPL by the end of April. With Zimbabwe set to tour Bangladesh for five T20Is, Raza’s departure could disrupt PBKS’ balance in the middle order.

Mustafizur Rahman (CSK)

For Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Mustafizur Rahman’s services might not be available in May due to Bangladesh’s T20I series against Zimbabwe and the USA. Rahman’s absence could affect CSK’s bowling options in the crucial stages of the tournament.

Jos Buttler (RR)

Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) Jos Buttler could receive a call back in the third week of May as England prepares to face Pakistan in four T20Is starting from May 22. Buttler’s potential departure could leave a significant void in RR’s batting lineup.

Will Jacks (RCB)

Another player from RCB, Will Jacks, is a vital cog in England’s T20 World Cup plans. Like Topley, he might leave the IPL early to participate in T20Is against Pakistan, potentially impacting RCB’s middle-order stability.

Liam Livingstone (PBKS)

PBKS’s Liam Livingstone is another English player who could exit the IPL prematurely to feature in the Pakistan series. His departure might disrupt PBKS’s plans, especially considering his all-round capabilities.

Moeen Ali (CSK)

CSK’s Moeen Ali could face unavailability issues with England facing Pakistan from May 22 onwards. Ali’s departure might leave a void in CSK’s middle order and spin department.

Phil Salt (KKR)

Representing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), opener Phil Salt might also face an early exit from the IPL due to England’s series against Pakistan. KKR could struggle to find a suitable replacement for Salt at the top of the order.

Joshua Little (Gujarat Titans)

Although he hasn’t featured in any games this season, Joshua Little of Gujarat Titans might have to leave in May as Ireland plays Pakistan in three T20Is from May 10 to 14. His absence might not directly impact Gujarat Titans but could affect their squad depth.

Sam Curran (PBKS)

PBKS’s Sam Curran, a key member of the team, might be unavailable towards the end of the league stage due to his international commitments. His absence could pose challenges for PBKS in both batting and bowling departments.

Jonny Bairstow (PBKS)

Another PBKS player, Jonny Bairstow, might have to depart early to be available for England’s T20Is against Pakistan. His early exit could disrupt PBKS’s batting plans and team balance.

See Also: Shubman Gill gives an epic reply to ‘leaving it too late for a win’ comment

These potential departures due to international commitments highlight the delicate balance between IPL participation and national team duties. Cricket enthusiasts will keenly observe how these developments unfold and the subsequent impact on their respective IPL franchises.