David Miller ’s batting was suffering because of leadership: Sanjay Bangar

Kings XI Punjab will play the remainder of the tournament under the fresh leadership of Murali Vijay after David Miller was sacked as the captain of the side.

However, Kings XI Head Coach Sanjay Bangar clarified that the decision was taken in the best interests of the team. Indian Express reported the 43-year old opening up about the circumstances surrounding Miller’s axing.

“This is not the first instance when there has been a change in captaincy. There have been instances in the past as well. It is basically that we are looking to turn things around and it is a step in that direction,” Sanjay Bangar, Kings XI Punjab’s head coach, defended the decision on Saturday (April 30).

Bangar affirmed, “We felt that David Miller’s batting was suffering because of extra responsibility of leading the side and the decision was made just to free him from the extra burden of captaincy.”

While the team is hoping for a turnaround in their fortunes with a new leader taking over, Bangar insisted that the out-of-form David Miller is still an integral part of the side.

A key batsman for his franchise, Miller has had a terrible season with only 76 runs from 6 matches at a paltry average of 15.20. Despite his ouster from the top job, he could still remain a vital part of the Punjab middle-order.

“David is an integral part of the team and we are looking forward to his vital contribution with the bat. As a coach, it’s my job and I had to communicate to him. And he took the decision in right spirit. The decision was taken for team’s interest.”

The former Indian all-rounder added, “Vijay is very keen to take the responsibility. He has led Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket and under his captaincy – Tamil Nadu has won domestic T20 and one-day tournament. So, he has the experience of leading the side.”

The batsmen have been blowing hot and cold this season. Barring Shaun Marsh, none of them have shown any consistency. Fortunately, the bowling attack has been very compact. Bangar also indicated the same.

“Indian bowlers like Mohit Sharma and Sandeep Sharma have done well for us and now we want contributions from the Indian batsmen.”

Kings XI Punjab is set to clash with the table toppers Gujarat Lions at Rajkot today evening. With only, one win in the last 6 games, Punjab would hope for a revival for the coming half of the season.

Also, Read – IPL 9 Match 28 Preview: Table toppers clash with the struggling King XI Punjab