Moving Jonny Bairstow at the top will help PBKS in long run: Wasim Jaffer

Punjab Kings (PBKS) have secured five victories in 10 league matches of Indian Premier League 2022. In their last league match, they were clinical with their performance to secure a victory by eight wickets against Gujarat Titans (GT). In the ongoing fixture, they are facing the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and have been impressive with the batting performance. The former Indian cricketers Wasim Jaffer and Nikhil Chopra have opened up on the team management’s decision to open with Jonny Bairstow and Shikhar Dhawan.

Jaffer thinks the bulk of scoring in the last edition was done by Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul. In this season, Agarwal has not been consistent with his run-scoring which has affected the start of the game and has demoted himself to the number four position. The former opener thinks it’s a great step to open with Bairstow, as he has a terrific track record in that position, and will help the team in the long run. Meanwhile, the Englishman garnered 56 off 40 against RR and provided a stable start to the team.

“Last year, the bulk of the runs for Punjab were scored by Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul. But, this year Mayank has not returned with runs, with the consistency, that is expected from him.  I think knowing Jonny Bairstow does well in the top-order and his record as an opener has been terrific,” said Jaffer on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket’ Show on CricTracker.

“I think it was a very good decision and will be valuable in the long run. If a solid start is provided by the top-order, Livingstone can play his natural game, and it is looking a more settled unit,” he added.

With Rabada performing well, it has been easier for other bowlers, says Nikhil Chopra

Nikhil Chopra thinks the team has chosen the explosive option of Bairstow along with Dhawan and supports the team’s decision, which will help them to do better. He further thinks the Proteas pacer Kagiso Rabada has done quite well in the tournament and mentioned his performance in the last league match, where he scalped four wickets to contain the Titans.

“To maximize the powerplay, with Shikhar being the sheer anchor and is in good form, the team management has chosen an explosive option. On the bowling front, Rabada has been terrific for the team in the last few matches. If you are able to contain the opposition to a score of 140-150, and if the main strike bowler is picking up wickets, it makes it a little easier for the other bowlers,” said Chopra.