IPL 2021: Virender Sehwag And Pagyan Ojha Feel Chris Gayle And Nicholas Pooran Are Under Undue Pressure

Apr 27, 2021 at 4:25 PM

facebook iconlinkedin iconmail icontwitter iconWhatsApp iconTelegram icon
IPL 2021: Virender Sehwag And Pagyan Ojha Feel Chris Gayle And Nicholas Pooran Are Under Undue Pressure

Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran are subjected to undue pressure for putting up a high batting score and there are issues with the Punjab Kings batting line-up as per the belief of former India cricketers Virender Sehwag and Pragyan Ojha.

The duo blamed the thought process in Punjab Kings’ batting line-up for their crushing five-wicket loss to the Kolkata Knight Riders in an IPL 2021 match in Ahmedabad on Monday.

While Virender Sehwag believed there was a need to change the structure of the PBKS batting line-up, Pragyan Ojha said the top-order is putting undue pressure on big-hitters Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran to put up a big score.

Chris Gayle (Courtesy of BCCI)
Chris Gayle (Courtesy of BCCI)

Virender Sehwag: Punjab Need To Sort Out Their Resources While Batting First

Punjab Kings went through a batting collapse against KKR. Put in to bat first, KL Rahul-led Punjab Kings was restricted to a mere 124 for 9 as none of the batters could get a decent score except Mayank Agarwal, who scored a scratchy 31.

In reply, Eoin Morgan fired an unbeaten 47 and stitched a 66-run fourth-wicket stand with Rahul Tripathi (41) to help KKR win the game by 5 wickets. Chris Gayle scored a golden duck while Nicholas Pooran registered his highest score in this IPL – 19 off 19 balls.

Chris Gayle with Virender Sehwag (@liondenkxip Photo)
Chris Gayle with Virender Sehwag (@liondenkxip Photo)

Despite having some big guns of the game, PBKS failed to post a challenging score against the Knight Riders. Virender Sehwag opined that the KL Rahul-led side was outstanding with the ball but they need to work out on their batting structure.

“Punjab need to sort out their resources, especially when they are batting first. No doubt Punjab bowled very well. They also produced a brilliant performance with the ball against Mumbai Indians in their last game. But the most important factor for them is their batting,” Sehwag told Cricbuzz.

Virender Sehwag further pointed out that PBKS batsmen failed to contribute which restricted them from posting a big total in the game against KKR.

“They need to make sure that their hard-hitters start performing well which will eventually make them consistent in winning games. They have the firepower to score 200-plus runs. Even if two out of their four batsmen click at right time, they can completely change the game,” he said.

Chris Gayle hasn’t exactly fired with the bat in IPL 2021 managing 119 runs in 6 games averaging 23.8 while Nicholas Pooran has been a major flop and it is surprising to see him in the XI. He managed only 28 in 6 outings averaging a dismal 5.6 and may have to make his way for the likes of Dawid Malan waiting in the wings.

Pragyan Ojha: Punjab Kings Team Management Is Putting Undue Pressure On Chris Gayle And Nicholas Pooran If They Aim 180-190 From Beginning Instead Of 160-170

Pragyan Ojha, on other hand, said PBKS are making the mistake of aiming too high by playing risky shots at the beginning. They should instead change their plans according to the kind of start their openers KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal provide in a particular match.

“They should think about 160-170 at first. But if you start thinking from the beginning that we have a very good batting line-up with Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran and we should aim 180-190 then you are putting undue pressure on (them).”

Pragyan Ojha — File Photo
Pragyan Ojha — File Photo
Punjab Kings is in the 6th spot in the points table with 4 points from 2 wins. They have similar win-loss records like KKR but are a place behind for low net run-rate.
Related Article
Nicholas Pooran, Beth Mooney, Andre Russell and Meg Lanning snapped up in The Hundred Draft
Nicholas Pooran, Beth Mooney, Andre Russell and Meg Lanning snapped up in The Hundred Draft

Mar 21, 2024, 11:33 AM


PSL 2024: Reeza Hendricks, Dawid Malan power Multan Sultans to secure 55-run win over Karachi Kings
PSL 2024: Reeza Hendricks, Dawid Malan power Multan Sultans to secure 55-run win over Karachi Kings

Feb 19, 2024, 10:18 AM


ENG vs PAK Dream11 Prediction: England vs Pakistan Dream11 Match Prediction Today, Dream11 Team Today, Playing 11, Fantasy Tips, Pitch Report & Injury Updates – ICC World Cup 2023, Match 44
ENG vs PAK Dream11 Prediction: England vs Pakistan Dream11 Match Prediction Today, Dream11 Team Today, Playing 11, Fantasy Tips, Pitch Report & Injury Updates – ICC World Cup 2023, Match 44

Nov 10, 2023, 4:50 PM


ENG vs AUS Dream11 Prediction: England vs Australia Dream11 Match Prediction Today, Dream11 Team Today, Playing 11, Fantasy Tips, Pitch Report & Injury Updates – ICC World Cup 2023, Match 35
ENG vs AUS Dream11 Prediction: England vs Australia Dream11 Match Prediction Today, Dream11 Team Today, Playing 11, Fantasy Tips, Pitch Report & Injury Updates – ICC World Cup 2023, Match 35

Nov 3, 2023, 10:30 PM


IND vs ENG Live Streaming: India vs England Live Streaming, Match No. 29, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023
IND vs ENG Live Streaming: India vs England Live Streaming, Match No. 29, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

Oct 28, 2023, 4:24 PM


IND vs ENG Match Preview: India vs England Match Preview, Match No. 29, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023
IND vs ENG Match Preview: India vs England Match Preview, Match No. 29, ICC Cricket World Cup 2023

Oct 28, 2023, 3:27 PM


Desktop Banner
Mobile Banner