Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra believes Jonny Bairstow’s replacement Matthew Short is coming into Indian Premier League (IPL) after setting the Big Bash League on fire. Short was one of the top performers for the Adelaide Strikers–and will look to continue his form in the cash-rich IPL 2023.
Cricketer-turned-commentator Aakash Chopra shared his views about the inclusion of Australia’s Short in place of star England’s wicket-keeper.
Speaking on his Youtube channel, Chopra said: “Jonny Bairstow is no longer a part of this team. He will not be available for this year’s IPL. Matthew Short has been taken in his place. Matthew Short is the same guy who plays for the Adelaide Strikers – opens the batting, bowls off-spin and he is coming after setting the BBL on fire.”
Bairstow had a decent run with Punjab Kings as he scored 253 runs in 11 innings in IPL 2022 with a strike rate of 144.57 along with two half-centuries. Chopra feels England would try to get him ready for the ODI World Cup and Ashes 2023.
“Jonny was incredible. He suffered a weird injury on the golf course, missed the World Cup after that, and is also going to miss the IPL now. It is being tried to make him ready for the World Cup and the Ashes.”
Jonny Bairstow was ruled out of IPL 2023, owing to the freak injury he suffered last year. Bairstow has been out of action from cricket since September 2022 when he broke his left leg and dislocated his ankle. The 33-year-old will be a huge miss for the Punjab-based franchise.
Matthew Short Can Give All-rounder Option For Punjab Kings
Australia’s Matthew Short was named as the replacement for Jonny Bairstow. He was the second leading scorer of BBL 2022/23 with 458 runs in 14 matches and a strike rate of 144.47 including a century also. Chopra also asserted the fact that players who performed in BBL haven’t lived up to their expectations in IPL.
“Matthew Short is not a keeper. He is a batter, and opener and can bowl off-spin. We shall find out if his off-spin will work in these conditions but he is a good batter. However, it is also true that at times players who have excelled in the BBL are unable to perform that well after coming here,” Aakash Chopra concluded.
It is highly unlikely that Matthew Short would find a place in the playing 11, as Punjab Kings might go with Liam Livingstone, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Sam Curran, and Kagiso Rabada as the first-choice overseas players for the tournament. Punjab Kings (PBKS) will play their opening game of IPL 2023 on April 1st against Kolkata Knight Riders in Mohali.