PBKS vs LSG IPL 2023: We were a bit clueless, says Punjab Kings batting coach Wasim Jaffer. cricket news
However, throwing his weight behind the Punjab bowlers, Jaffer said they will take care of themselves after this thrashing.
After Punjab’s 56-run defeat, Jaffer said, “Today was one of those days when everything was clicking for the opposition and we were a bit clueless. Our bowlers will come back strong.”
The likes of Marcus Stoinis, Kyle Mayers, Ayush Badoni and Nicholas Pooran subdued the Punjab bowlers.
“Our bowling didn’t perform. They started well in the powerplay and just went away, they didn’t stop, everyone played… Ayush Badoni, Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran. When someone plays like that, it’s very difficult. It happens.” He didn’t lose momentum after the powerplay. Like I said, it was an off day for our bowling.”
Punjab’s premier pacers Kagiso Rabada (2/52), Arshdeep Singh (1/54) and Sam Curran (1/38) plundered 144 runs between them in 11 overs.
Former India batsman Jaffer feels there is no need to press the panic button right now. He, however, admitted that the bowlers could have handled the situation differently.
“It is not a serious concern. Earlier our bowling has defended in critical conditions against Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders. The bowling unit has done well. Today was an off day.”
Jaffer said, “Maybe we could have used plan B, like using slower balls more and hitting longer boundaries more consistently.”
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IPL 2023: Lucknow Super Giants beat Punjab Kings by 56 runs
Despite a mammoth total to chase, Punjab didn’t shuffle their batting line-up enough to promote the biggies of the team.
“Our top three is a fixture and (Atharv) Tayde is the one who always does well in the powerplay. We also wanted to maintain the left-right combination throughout.
“Also, someone like (Liam) Livingstone hadn’t played much Cricket(Sikandar) Raza had done well for us and that’s why he was promoted,” Jaffer said.
“We thought if we can get close to the total, we have the power of Livingstone and Curren. As for Jitesh (Sharma) and Shahrukh (Khan), their roles are for the last five overs. Everyone did their best. Well done but it’s just unfortunate that we lost by 56 runs.”
After winning the toss, Punjab captain Shikhar Dhawan decided to bowl first, a decision supported by Jaffer.
“It’s a trend IPL Teams chasing the target after winning the toss. Dew was also definitely a factor. We saw it during practice and that was also one of the reasons. But when the opposition reaches 257, the chase is always tough.
“He started quick in the powerplay and never slowed down at any stage. You have to give him credit.”
Punjab Kings will now take on former champions Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, April 30.
(with agency inputs)
