Ashish Nehra pointed out that Punjab Kings failed in managing its bowlers which cost them the game despite putting a pile of runs.
Former Indian pacer Ashish Nehra has slammed Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul for poorly managing his bowlers against Delhi Capitals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 match No. 11 in Mumbai on Sunday. Despite setting up a huge 196-run target, the PBKS lost the game by six wickets and 10 balls to spare.
Ashish Nehra Criticized Punjab For Not Giving Early Overs To Bowlers Who Were Expensive Buys
Shikhar Dhawan played terrific innings during the chase, scoring a 49-ball 92 to guide DC to a comprehensive victory. His innings included 13 boundaries and 2 sixes. After the match ended, Ashish Nehra pointed out that Punjab failed in utilizing its bowling resources which cost them the game despite putting up a pile of runs.
While speaking to Cricbuzz, Ashish Nehra said that the team needs to come out with a better strategy in the upcoming games.
“See, there are a few things which every player wants to do in this format. You like to bowl well, bat well, field brilliantly. You have good or bad days, it’s a common thing in this game. But there are certain things which are in your control, at least that you can do,” Nehra told Cricbuzz.
“You didn’t give early overs to your most expensive overseas bowlers. Meredith came after 10 overs and picked the wicket of Steve Smith in his first over. Even Shami bowled four overs in four different spells. You preferred Arshdeep to begin with. So, where will you control the game from – frontend or the backend?” added Nehra.
KL Rahul opened the innings with Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh and then after one over spell from both gave the ball to Jhye Richardson and Jalaj Saxena.
Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh were once again brought for one over each and then KL Rahul gave the ball to Deepak Hooda. Australia’s Riley Meredith, who is known for his express pace, came into the attack in the 11th over and he was able to strike in his very first over, dismissing his countryman Steve Smith.
Ashish Nehra: Punjab Needs To Come Up With A Better Strategy As They Messed Up Their Bowling Plans
The former cricketer also stated that the PBKS skipper and coach need to sit down together and come out with better plans for the upcoming games.
“If such is the strategy, then even KL shouldn’t open from next time. Either they send Jalaj Saxena, Shami or Shahrukh – whomsoever may they want. So, Rahul, as a captain, needs to think and sit down with Anil Kumble to discuss because they need to come up with a strategy that I didn’t understand today,” said Nehra.
“PBKS messed up their bowling plans. They played four different bowlers to start with. Such things are mostly done by those sides who lack resources. So, I think, that’s the biggest mistake they committed,” he added.
Ashish Nehra added that if this stratagem is to be followed then Jalaj Saxena and Shahrukh Khan can open the batting innings for Punjab Kings in the next match. Kings XI Punjab will be disappointed with their bowling performance as DC cruised to the target of 196 with 10 balls to spare.
Punjab Kings had won their first match against Rajasthan Royals with skipper KL Rahul scoring 91 as they amassed 221/6 in stipulated 20 overs before Rajasthan almost pulled off the impossible with their skipper Sanju Samson scoring IPL 2021’s first ton. His 119 went in vain as Punjab won by 4 runs. Punjab performed poorly against CSK after a batting failure saw them scoring only 106/8.