The upcoming 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is all set to commence on March 31, 2023. 

Under the tutelage of head coach Trevor Bayliss, the Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings (PBKS) have assembled a formidable squad for IPL 2023, comprising experienced Indian players, accomplished international cricketers and a few local uncapped talents.

With the T20 tournament just around the corner, we take a look at five uncapped PBKS players who will aim to impress during the forthcoming IPL.

Vidwath Kaverappa

Karnataka pacer Vidwath Kaverappa has been one of the standout bowlers in the recently-concluded edition of the Ranji Trophy. The 24-year-old picked up 30 wickets in eight matches at an average of 20.43, including bagging a five-wicket haul against Saurashtra in the semi-final.

Earlier, Kaverappa stole the limelight for Karnataka as he finished as the second-highest wicket-taker in his debut Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign in November. The right-arm fast bowler bagged 18 wickets in eight matches at an economy of just 6.36. 

He later continued his impressive form in the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2022-23 as he scalped 17 wickets in eight matches at an average of 13.17 and an economy of 3.53.

In-form Kaverappa will look to cement his place in the Punjab Kings’ playing XI in the upcoming IPL.

Atharva Taide

Punjab Kings have shown their immense faith by retaining young Atharva Taide for IPL 2023. 

Representing Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy 2022-23 season, the 22-year-old left-handed batter amassed 499 runs in seven matches at an average of 45.36, including smashing one hundred and three fifties.

Earlier in January, Taide registered his maiden First-Class ton after he scored an unbeaten 112 against Punjab in Mohali. His innings was laced with 15 fours as the match ended in a draw.

In the latest Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Taide also scored 234 runs in 10 matches at a strike rate of 130.

In his short T20 career, the Akola-born cricketer has accumulated 741 runs, and also claimed 10 wickets in 30 matches so far.

Taide has all the potential to be a surprise package for the Kings in IPL 2023.

Baltej Singh

Ludhiana-born medium-pacer Baltej Singh was the wrecker-in-chief for the Punjab cricket team in the recently-concluded Ranji Trophy season. The 32-year-old bagged 37 wickets in eight matches at an average of 14.78, including registering three five-wicket hauls and two 10-wicket hauls.

In the recent Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Baltej also picked up 14 wickets in 10 matches for Punjab at an economy of 6.67.

Following his impressive showing in domestic cricket, the Punjab Kings decided to retain Baltej for the upcoming edition of the IPL.

Having already scalped 40 T20 wickets in 32 matches, Baltej can be a key wicket-taker for the Kings this year.

Mohit Rathee

Punjab Kings roped in promising leg-spinner Mohit Rathee for INR 20 lakh at the IPL 2023 mini-auction held in Kochi.

Known for his consistent line and length, the 24-year-old recently made his First-Class debut for Services against Jamshedpur in an Elite Group C clash in the Ranji Trophy.

Since his debut, Rathee has already scalped nine wickets in four matches. Apart from his leg-spin, the Haryana-born cricketer has also scored 138 runs, including slamming a fifty on debut.

With an ability to pick up wickets and also score some handy runs with the bat, Rathee could be a valuable addition to the Kings’ playing XI in the forthcoming IPL.

Shivam Singh

Talented all-rounder Shivam Singh was added to the Punjab Kings’ squad at the IPL 2023 mini-auction for his base price of INR 20 lakh.

Having made his First-Class debut for Bihar in March 2022, the 26-year-old has already scored 229 runs in five matches.

In January this year, Shivam smashed his maiden First-Class century for Bihar against Mizoram in a Plate Group encounter in the Ranji Trophy. The right-handed batter played a brilliant 110-run knock, including hitting 15 fours in his scintillating innings.

With the ability to clobber any bowler from the beginning, Shivam could be a game-changer for the dynamic Punjab Kings outfit this season.