Matt Short IPL 2023 Review: Punjab Kings’ Power-Packed Top-Order Asset Australian opener Matt Short burst onto the IPL stage in 2023 with Punjab Kings, turning just 92 balls into 117 runs at a fiery strike rate of 127. Across six innings the right-hander peppered boundaries with 15 fours and four sixes, never letting the run-rate drop below a run-a-ball. His season-best 36 showcased the fearless approach that has made him a sought-after T20 specialist, and his 127 SR ranks among the highest for any debutant facing 90-plus deliveries last year. While primarily deployed as a pinch-hitting batsman, Short also rolled his arm over in three matches, conceding only 25 runs from four tight overs (economy 6.25) and keeping opposition batters guessing with subtle changes of pace. Although he is yet to claim his first IPL wicket, the control he offers gives Punjab Kings an extra bowling option on sluggish Indian tracks. With one season, one franchise and a growing reputation for quick runs, Matt Short has already stamped his identity as a 360-degree match-winner in the making. Expect bigger scores and more fireworks from the Punjab Kings opener when IPL 2024 rolls around.

IPL explosive finisher R Shepherd has become the league’s go-to six-hitting all-rounder for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025. Across four IPL seasons with four different franchises—RCB, Mumbai Indians, Lucknow Super Giants and Sunrisers Hyderabad—Shepherd has muscled 185 runs at a jaw-dropping strike-rate of 212, clearing the ropes 17 times and finding the fence on 12 other occasions. His lone half-century, a 28-ball 53, showcased his ability to turn games in the death overs. While batting remains his headline act, Shepherd’s right-arm medium has quietly chipped in with 10 wickets from 15 bowling innings. Operating at an economy of 11.66 and a strike-rate of 21, he has twice returned with two-wicket bursts, providing crucial breakthroughs when captains need a momentum shift. From Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2022 to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2025, Shepherd’s journey underlines a player trusted for his big-hitting prowess and handy overs—a modern T20 utility who can win matches with both bat and ball.

Note: This overview is partially generated using AI and is based on statistical data. Please verify with official sources for complete accuracy.