Will the fate of lifeless PBKS change after 4 consecutive defeats? The onus will be on the bowlers

If Punjab Kings (PBKS), hurt by defeat in the last four matches, want to get their campaign back on track in the Indian Premier League (IPL), then they will have to improve their bowling and fielding as soon as possible in the match against Mumbai Indians (MI) to be held in Dharamshala on Thursday (May 14). The PBKS team, which performed brilliantly in the initial stage of the tournament, has lost four consecutive matches and is struggling to make it to the playoffs.

If PBKS wants to secure a place in the top-4, it will have to win at least two of its remaining matches. The team captained by Shreyas Iyer was the only unbeaten team in the tournament till some time ago, but the nature of this format and IPL is such that fortunes can turn either way very quickly. As Shreyas said after the defeat to Delhi Capitals, he himself is responsible for the difficult situation of PBKS. The brilliant performance of the batsmen in the first half of the tournament did not reveal the weaknesses of the bowling department but now it has become a matter of concern for them.

Also read: Played 3 T20s, did not take even a single wicket; Who is Saurabh Dubey whose IPL debut was made by KKR?

PBKS bowlers are giving away runs easily

In the last match against Delhi Capitals, PBKS team came close to victory but the fast bowlers did not maintain their length in the last five overs. The Arshdeep Singh-led fast bowling attack has the worst economy rate among the 10 teams. In the first half of the IPL, Xavier Bartlett and Arshdeep provided a good combination with the new ball but after the return of Lockie Ferguson, there has been instability in it. PBKS fielded three left-arm fast bowlers in the last match, including Ben Dwarshis, who proved to be very expensive. In most of the 11 matches in which Arshdeep has participated, he has given more than 10 runs per over.

Also read: ‘He was not removed from the post of coach…’ Hockey India’s response to Sreejesh’s allegations

PBKS batsmen also lost their rhythm

Talking about the batting of PBKS, Prabhsimran Singh will have to score runs so that he can support Priyansh Arya in the top order. The team’s fielding was also not good in the last few matches and they dropped many catches, due to which they had to suffer heavy losses. PBKS face MI, who have had a disappointing performance so far. However, PBKS should not try to take him lightly as he is capable of spoiling their equations.

MI captain Hardik Pandya missed the last two matches due to injury and it remains to be seen whether he is fully fit or not. Suryakumar Yadav, who has been struggling to score runs for some time, will try to take full advantage of the remaining three matches. Ryan Rickleton and Rohit Sharma will also be expected to make a stormy start in the powerplay.