Cricketer-turned-commentator Gautam Gambhir believes that the fortune for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) has changed in the last matches because they have got three special death-over bowlers. But he names that Arshdeep Singh has a major impact on all the results of KXIP.
Kings XI Punjab had a forgetful start to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, losing six matches out of seven. But they had made a strong comeback winning four matches in a row and are favourites to clear for playoffs.
While speaking on ESPNCricinfo, Gautam Gambhir stated that what has changed for KXIP in the last couple of matches which has turned the tide for them.
KL Rahul has the luxury of three death over bowlers: Gautam Gambhir
The former Indian cricketer said that KL Rahul has now got Mohammed Shami, Chris Jordan and Arshdeep Singh for death over bowling option. He added that it is a luxury for any captain to have three options to bowl crucial overs.
“The best thing is that KL Rahul now has three fast bowlers to whom he can give the ball to in the death overs – Mohammed Shami, Chris Jordan and Arshdeep Singh,” Gambhir said.
“If you look at the first seven games for KXIP, KL Rahul had to search whom to give the overs to in the death overs. Now he has three options. When any captain has three options in the death – it is a luxury, ” he said.
Credit for change in KXIP goes to Arshdeep Singh: Gambhir
But Gautam Gambhir admitted the biggest positive factor for KXIP had been the young pacer Arshdeep Singh. He said that being a domestic player while inexperienced in comparison to his teammates, Arshdeep has given exceptional performance and has changed the dynamic for Punjab.
“The credit for this I would like to give to Arshdeep Singh. Because Mohammed Shami and Chris Jordan are both international bowlers. But Arshdeep is a young, domestic cricketer and he has bowled well in the death overs. It has helped in changing the structure and compensation of the entire team since Arshdeep has been in the playing XI,” Gautam Gambhir further said.
Arshdeep Singh has featured in six matches and has picked up nine wickets. Against SRH, he starred for KXIP, picking two back-to-back wickets in the last over of the game — and guiding them to 12 runs victory.