Jonny Bairstow ruled out of IPL 2023

Jonny Bairstow is yet to recover from a broken leg injury and a dislocated ankle and is ruled out of the Indian Premier League. The right-handed batter was hurt while playing golf with his friends days before England's final Test against South Africa at home. 

Bairstow underwent surgery in late August and has been out of cricketing action since then. Punjab Kings were hopeful of his participation in this edition of the competition after he resumed training in February. 

However, they were informed that Bairstow would require some more time to heal and would miss the mega event.

The 33-year-old has not played any competitive cricket since then, and the England Cricket Board are hoping for him to feature in Division Two of the County Championship set to be held in May ahead of the Ashes.

🚨 IMPORTANT UPDATE 🚨

We regret to inform you that Jonny Bairstow will not be a part of the IPL this season because of his injury. We wish him the best and look forward to seeing him next season.

We are pleased to welcome Matthew Short as his replacement.

#PunjabKings pic.twitter.com/NnUMjCe8jV

— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) March 25, 2023

The team management have sought uncapped Australian batter Matthew Short as his replacement, and he will join the squad soon as they gear up for the 16th edition. 

The right-handed batter was second in the list of leading run-scorers in the Big Bash League 2022-2023 with 458 runs in 14 innings at an average of 35.23 and a strike rate of 144.47 for the Adelaide Strikers. 

Punjab Kings finished sixth in the last edition of the tournament with seven wins in 14 games and will kickstart their campaign on Saturday, 1st April, in an afternoon encounter against the Kolkata Knight Riders at home.