IPL 2021: Rating the bench strength of each team

Punjab Kings (7.5/10)

Probable Playing XI: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Mandeep Singh, Shahrukh Khan, Chris Jordan, Jhye Richardson, Ravi Bishnoi, Murugan Ashwin, Mohammad Shami.

Major Bench Strength Players: Ishan Porel, Sarfaraz Khan, Deepak Hooda, Prabhsimran Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Dawid Malan, Riley Meredith, Moises Henriques, Fabian Allen, Jalaj Saxena.

With PBKS boasting a very herculean batting lineup especially in the top four, the team also has some attractive batters to cover it up in case if there’s a need. Someone like Dawid Malan looks alike to replace Chris Gayle and even Moises Henriques can be brought in if required to strengthen the lower middle-order batting. The team also has the abundance of Deepak Hooda and Sarfaraz Khan to further be backups for either Shahrukh Khan or Mandeep Singh. Also, someone like Prabhsimran Singh can be viewed as a top-order candidate.

Just like the batting, even the bowling reserves of the PBKS side are in plenty. Because Chris Jordan can be promoted up in the playing XI, an Indian spinner or a pacer can be accommodated in the bowling department. Either Murugan Ashwin or Arshdeep Singh can be the frontline options for the above extra slot, mainly depending on the conditions. Someone like Ishan Porel looks an exciting name to have as a backup Indian seamer but is yet to unveil himself in the IPL. Even Riley Meredith, who hasn’t been seen in the IPL, however, has been grabbed to have a reserve overseas pacer.

All in all, the PBKS side might have a plentitude of options to go back at, but hardly have some immaculate match-winners who might uplift the side. Apart from Dawid Malan, mostly none of their present bench strength players looks like fascinating replacements which eventually might turn out to be reasonable grabs.