Jaffer has assured fans that Rahul will be given the license to play aggressive cricket from the very first delivery.
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Punjab Kings batting coach Wasim Jaffer has stated that KL Rahul will be adopting an aggressive approach to his batting in IPL 2021. Rahul developed a reputation of being a game-changer, on the back of powerful performances while representing Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and the Punjab-based franchise. However, there were questions raised about his strike rate last season, with the 28-year-old called out for taking time to get himself into the game.
“KL batted a little timidly last season. He probably batted deeper because there was not much batting after No. 5, and Glenn Maxwell was not firing. He took that responsibility on himself to try and stay at the crease and get the job done. This time around, everyone will see an aggressive KL Rahul for sure,” stated Jaffer in an interview with Times of India, as quoted by Punjab Kings’ official website.
Rahul was the top run-getter in the previous edition of the IPL, smashing 670 runs. He scored five fifties and a century for the franchise, claiming the Orange Cap for the first time ever. The cricketer was further in good form during the recently concluded home series against England.
Jaffer hailed Shahrukh Khan as the team’s finisher, terming him as an “exceptional hitter.” The former Team India opener had words of praise for Fabian Allen and Prabhsimran Singh.
“Shahrukh Khan is someone we are looking at as a finisher this time around. He is an exceptional hitter. He played an important role in Tamil Nadu’s title triumph in Syed Mushtaq Ali. Fabien Allen is another exciting talent as is Prabhsimran Singh,” he added.
“This is a much more balanced side than last year. We lacked bowlers who can back Mohammed Shami. In Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith, we have got two pacers who can bowl quick,” concluded Jaffer.
Punjab Kings take on Rajasthan Royals in their season opener on Monday, April 12 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. The players will be seen wearing a red jersey with golden stripes in the upcoming season.
