After a disappointing performance in the previous edition of IPL, Punjab Kings (PBKS) has decided to release most of their experienced players and rebuild their team from scratch. Under the guidance of new head coach Ricky Ponting, the franchise has decided to retain only two players - uncapped Indian duo of Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh. The dynamic batting pair was among the few bright lights for PBKS in IPL 2024 and their retention comes as no surprise considering their impressive performance with the bat. With their core players intact, PBKS will be aiming for a fresh start in the upcoming IPL season.
Punjab Kings Undergo Major Overhaul Ahead of IPL 2023
Introduction
After a dismal performance in the 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Punjab Kings (PBKS) has embarked on a significant restructuring of its squad. The franchise has released a slew of experienced players and is poised to rebuild its team with fresh talent.
Background
PBKS has consistently underperformed in the IPL over the past few seasons, failing to qualify for the playoffs since 2014. In the 2022 edition, the team finished eighth out of 10 teams, winning only seven games out of 14.
Player Releases
Following their disappointing campaign, PBKS has released several key players, including Mayank Agarwal, Shikhar Dhawan, and Kagiso Rabada. These players were among the core members of the team but failed to live up to expectations.
Player Retentions
Despite the mass release, PBKS has retained two players for the upcoming season: Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh. Both are uncapped Indian batsmen who impressed during the 2022 season.
New Head Coach
Punjab Kings has also appointed a new head coach, Ricky Ponting. The legendary Australian captain has a wealth of experience in both international cricket and the IPL. He will be responsible for guiding the team to success in the upcoming season.
Aim for a Fresh Start
With their core players retained and a new coach at the helm, PBKS is aiming for a fresh start in the 2023 IPL. The team will be eager to prove that they can be a force in the tournament despite the recent setbacks.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q1: Why did PBKS release so many players? A: PBKS decided to release several players due to their poor performances in the 2022 IPL season. The team is aiming to rebuild with fresh talent.
Q2: Who are the two players that PBKS retained? A: Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh, two young Indian batsmen, have been retained by PBKS.
Q3: Who is the new head coach of PBKS? A: Ricky Ponting, former Australian captain and current commentator, has been appointed as the new head coach of Punjab Kings.
Q4: What are the expectations for PBKS in the 2023 IPL? A: PBKS will be aiming for a fresh start and hoping to improve upon their disappointing performance in the 2022 season.
Q5: What changes can we expect to see in PBKS's team strategy? A: With Ricky Ponting at the helm, PBKS is likely to adopt a more aggressive approach in batting and fielding. The team may also prioritize the development of young players.
Catch up on the latest books, cinema, health, world affairs, and science news with The Hindu's daily e-Paper. With dedicated sections covering books, headlines, cinema, health, world affairs, and science, stay informed and entertained in one convenient newsletter. Plus, get daily news highlights from Karnataka and the top 5 technology stories of the day in Today's Cache.
Category: Technology Title: "Google Reveals Exciting Updates for Android 16 and Set Timeline for Release" Google announces the launch of the second Developer Preview for Android 16, with a confirmed release between April and June 2025. The new preview introduces a range of updates, including enhanced performance tools, advanced accessibility options, and improved security measures. The timeline for the platform's release has been set, with a major SDK release expected in Q2 and smaller updates throughout the year. The updates aim to streamline app development and improve functionality for Android 16.
Rohan Mirchandani, the co-founder of Epigamia, a popular yogurt brand, passed away at the age of 42 due to a sudden cardiac arrest. The senior leadership of Drums Food International, the parent company of Epigamia, confirmed the news and expressed their sorrow. Mirchandani, an alumnus of prominent universities, was a mentor, friend, and leader to many in the startup community, and his death has shocked and saddened them. This comes just a month after the sudden passing of Ambareesh Murty, co-founder of Pepperfry, and earlier this year, the untimely death of Rohan Malhotra, co-founder of Good Capital.
Amid uncertainty and concerns about the displacement of lakhs of Dharavi locals, the controversial Dharavi Development Project has become a major issue in Maharashtra's election politics. The Adani Group's involvement has raised questions about the prioritization of profit over people. With locals taking to the streets to protest the project, The News Minute's Pooja Prasanna investigates the consequences and dynamics underlying the contentious redevelopment.
Despite long-standing interest from Arsenal, Newcastle United's manager, Eddie Howe, is confident that Alexander Isak will remain at the club. The Sweden international recently scored a hat-trick in their match against Ipswich Town, showcasing his goalscoring abilities and attracting more attention from top clubs. However, Howe remains determined to keep Isak and build a successful team around him, with no plans to let him leave anytime soon. Talks of a potential contract extension are also being put on hold for now, as there is no urgency to get a new deal done.
In the 55th GST Council meeting, the latest changes to GST rates were announced for various items. Ready-to-eat popcorn will now have varying GST rates depending on how it is prepared and sold. Pre-packaged popcorn will have a higher GST rate of 12%, while popcorn sold loose will have a lower rate of 5%. In the automotive sector, the GST rate for used cars sold by businesses will be increased from 12% to 18%. Additionally, vouchers will not be considered goods or services, and hence, will not be subject to GST.
During the 55th GST Council meeting, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the Goods and Services Tax on rice kernels has been reduced from 18% to 5%, while life-saving gene therapy will now be exempt from tax. Additionally, parts used in manufacturing surface-to-air missiles will continue to be exempt from GST. However, the tax rate on caramelised popcorn has been increased to 18%, citing its harmful effects on health. The Finance Minister also clarified that payment aggregators will be eligible for exemptions, but this does not apply to payment gateways and fintech services.
In an effort to bring joy and togetherness to the holiday season, Amazon India has announced the 8th edition of its Holiday Toy List. The thoughtfully curated store features over 1.6 million products from more than 10,000 brands, including popular options like LEGO, Hot Wheels, and Hasbro. Director Rajarshi Guin states that the store is focused on elevating the gifting experience for families and gift-givers, making every gift an unforgettable highlight of the season.
Bajaj Auto, the Pune-based motorcycle specialist, has introduced the new 35 Series of the popular Chetak electric scooter with three variants. With a starting price of Rs 1.27 lakh, the feature-loaded 3501 variant aims to compete with its counterparts like TVS iQube, Ola S1, and Ather Rizta in the Indian market. With the customer-friendly delivery schedule, Bajaj Auto is confident to retain its leadership position in the electric two-wheeler segment. This strategic move by the company not only caters to the needs of young riders but also showcases its commitment to providing cutting-edge technology with neo-classic style.
Amidst all the excitement surrounding Trump's U.S. election victory, fund manager Sean Peche is urging investors to take a closer look at Europe. According to Peche, there are some "very attractively priced" companies in the region that have been overshadowed by the Trump euphoria. Peche believes that stocks such as French bank BNP Paribas and Dutch investment bank ABN Amro, with consistent growth and high dividends, are being ignored by investors. He also points out "attractive" stocks in the UK, such as Associated British Foods, which owns retail giant Primark. While political turmoil in France and the UK may raise concerns, Peche remains unfazed and advises against overlooking these opportunities.