Liam Livingstone, the Punjab Kings and England all-rounder, has left India ahead of schedule to address a knee issue ahead of the T20 World Cup in June. Livingstone’s departure comes after a challenging IPL season where he struggled with both form and fitness.
Livingstone, who has been plagued by muscle injuries in the past two years, missed two games early in the IPL season after sustaining a knee injury during a match against Lucknow Super Giants. Although he returned to the side for their recent match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he has decided to return home to ensure his fitness for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
In an Instagram post, Livingstone expressed his gratitude to the Punjab Kings fans for their support, despite what he described as a “disappointing season” both personally and for the team. He mentioned, “I had to get my knee sorted for the upcoming World Cup. Thanks once again to the Punjab Kings fans for all their love and support. Disappointing season as a team and personally, but as always I loved every minute of playing in the IPL.”
Livingstone’s performance in the IPL this season has been below his usual standards. In seven innings, he scored 111 runs at an average of 22.20, with a strike rate of 142.30. He also took three wickets in 12 overs. This season adds to a lean period for Livingstone in franchise cricket, following a quiet SA20 season with MI Cape Town and a short stint with Sharjah Warriors.
While Livingstone’s knee injury is not expected to jeopardize his chances of participating in the T20 World Cup, he requires a period of rest to recover fully. England’s other players at the IPL, including Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Will Jacks, Phil Salt, and Reece Topley, are also set to return home soon. They will regroup in Leeds ahead of England’s first T20I against Pakistan on May 22.
Livingstone’s absence from the remainder of the IPL underlines the importance of player fitness and the challenges faced by cricketers in managing their workload, especially in the lead-up to major tournaments. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, teams will be keen to ensure their key players are in peak condition for the prestigious event.
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