IPL 2024: 3 changes Punjab Kings should make to get back to winning ways

It is a rare sight in IPL 2024 (Indian Premier League) that we get to see low-scoring affairs with bowlers dominating the show. The 53rd match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) was one such where the batters remained silent for most of the time. Opting to bat first in Dharamshala, the PBKS bowlers put in a brilliant performance to restrict their opponents to a modest score of 167/9. 

A 50+ partnership between Ruthraj Gaikwad and Daryl Mitchell for the second wicket put CSK ahead but Rahul Chahar struck twice in back-to-back deliveries to dominate PBKS. Ravindra Jadeja made 43 off 26 towards the end, but Chahar and Harshal Patel’s three-wicket haul did not let the visitors keep a smiling face before entering the second half. 

The hosts were favourites to win the game, especially considering their record of five straight wins against the Yellow Army. However, the CSK bowlers helped them break this poor streak by restricting the opponents to 139/9 in 20 overs. It was Tushar Deshpande who set the tone with two wickets in his first over. The momentum was carried on by Jadeja Simarjeet Singh and made the PBKS batters clueless on their home turf.

With their 28-run loss, Punjab's playoff chances are in jeopardy. They are currently eighth in the point table with four wins from 11 matches. Their next match is against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and will need to re-work on their strategies to get back on the winning track. 

Also Read: Punjab Kings vs Chennai Super Kings, 55th Match - Who Said What?

Here are the 3 changes that Punjab Kings need to make before their next match against RCB:

3. Overly dependent on Shashank Singh

Punjab are known for their inconsistencies and we are witnessing the same trend in their batting performance this season. Shashank Singh is currently their most reliable batter with over 280 runs in 10 matches. Batting in the middle or lower middle order depending on the situation, the right-hander has single-handedly won several matches for the side.

However, one player who stands tall does not work all the time and the rest of the batters also need to be at their best. A top-order failure in the match against CSK saw Shashank coming in at No.4 and was dismissed for 27 off 20 balls. There was no one to support him at the other end and no one to take responsibility after he was dismissed.

2. Bring back Shikhar Dhawan

It is true that Shikhar Dhawan, the regular skipper of PBKS, did not perform well in the initial matches of this season. But what PBKS needs right now is the experience he can bring to the team, and save the team from collapse by anchoring at the top of the order.

Notably, Dhawan was sidelined with an injury during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 9. However, as per reports, the southpaw is undergoing rehabilitation and is doing well to be back in the lineup. PBKS desperately need the veteran opener for their next game against the roaring RCB.

1. Arshdeep Singh needs to control the run flow

Arshdeep Singh is the second-highest wicket-taker for Punjab this season - 15 scalps in 11 matches. The left-arm pacer is their key bowler in the death overs. But he leaks a lot of runs which is a major headache for the management.

Looking at the recently concluded match against CSK, Arshdeep took two wickets but it cost his team an economy of 10.50. In T20 cricket, bowling at a good economy is more important than picking up two or three wickets. With the World Cup around the corner, the young pacer needs to control the run flow in the upcoming matches to earn the management's trust.