In a huge blow to the Punjab Kings franchise, Johnny Bairstow has been ruled out of the entirety of this year’s Indian Premier League. The 2019 World Cup winner reportedly failed to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
The right-handed batsman hailing from Yorkshire first joined Sunrisers Hyderabad in the 2019 IPL after going unsold in the previous edition. Bought for Rs 1.5 crores, he became a fearsome name in franchise cricket after scoring 445 runs in just ten innings. Bairstow’s partnerships with fellow top-order batsman David Warner have been a treat to watch.
Johnny Bairstow sided with SRH until PBKS bought the heavy-hitter for a whopping Rs 6.75 crores last year. Led by Mayank Aggarwal, the Kings have Kagiso Rabada, Nathan Ellis, Sam Curran, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, and Sikandar Raza as part of their foreign player division. Bairstow was integral to the side due to both his experience as a batter as well a wicket-keeper.
According to sources of Cricbuzz, Johnny Bairstow failed to get a NOC issued by ECB as he still recuperating from multiple injuries which he suffered in September 2022. Johnny was part of a freak accident while playing golf where he broke his leg and dislocated his ankle. The following month he underwent surgery. He has gotten better as seen by his occasional warm-up routine practices.
Despite Bairstow’s absence, England has given no objections to Liam Livingstone and Sam Curran joining the PBKS squad. Liam is said to be dealing with leg injuries as well but Cribuzz believes he would be part of the IPL action. Punjab Kings will play their first match against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 2 during the afternoon.
England’s Head Coach Brendon McCullum gave an update on Johnny Bairstow’s future
The Ashes series is approaching soon. England has been outplayed by Australia for a while now in the arch-rivalry. Thus, they need to keep their best performers fit for the red ball challenge starting in June this year. Johnny Bairstow, David Malan, and Joe Root are expected to be on the top-order list if the former manages to make a recovery.
However, Bairstow has been replaced by Harry Brooks in the English squad since his injury. He stunned everyone with his exceptional three consecutive centuries in the December series against Pakistan. In 2024, he holds over 800 runs in just six matches. Brooks’ performance has put a shadow on Johnny Bairstow’s role.
England’s head coach Brendon McCullum still prefers the veteran batsman over Harry Brooks though. Speaking to BBC Test Match Special, he termed Johnny Bairstow’s return to the squad a certainty.
“As soon as he (Johnny Bairstow) is fit, he’s back in the side, no doubt. But let’s work that out down the line.”, said McCullum. Let things unfold and when the time’s right you make decisions you need to make.”
(Source: Mirror UK)
Defending champions, Bairstow’s recovery will be vital for England even for the World Cup scenario. They are a formidable side going into the October program to be held in India. South Africa is expected to be their first task in their overall mission of retaining the Cup.
