IPL 2021, KKR vs PBKS: KL Rahul wins toss, opts to field as Andre Russell remains sidelined

Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper KL Rahul has won the toss and opted to field in Match 45 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). The Punjab-based franchise have been quite poor in the UAE leg of IPL 2021, and a win will certainly bring a smile on the faces of their fans. However, it will be tough in the absence of Chris Gayle with Fabian Allen included instead. Mayank Agarwal has replaced Mandeep Singh with Shahrukh Khan’s inclusion marking the third change in place of Harpreet Brar. One positive aspect for PBKS however is the absence of Andre Russell for KKR, with the Windies all-rounder sidelined. Tim Siefert replaces Lockie Ferguson with Shivam Mavi included in place of Sandeep Warrier.

“The wicket has been quite tricky”

Rahul has opted to field taking into account the tricky surface.

“We will bowl first. The wicket has been quite tricky, some days it’s 180, some other days it’s 150. So it could be tricky to bat first, better for the opposition to set the target. Our bowling group has done well, but the batting hasn’t fired, but it’s another opportunity for us. Chris Gayle has left the bubble, Fabian Allen is in. Mayank replaces Mandeep and Shahrukh Khan is in, replacing Harpreet Brar,” he stated as quoted by Cricbuzz.

“There’s no advantage chasing”

Morgan admitted that being asked to bat would certainly pose a challenge.

“It will be a challenge, but there’s no advantage chasing. The teams that play well have deserved the points. Two changes for us – one forced, Seifert is in for Lockie, Shivam Mavi replaces Sandeep Warrier. Both Lockie and Russell have been monitored and we’ll take a call on them. The wicket doesn’t look too bad, we’ll have to adapt to these conditions and play well,” stated the cricketer.

Lineups:

Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI): Shubman Gill, Venkatesh Iyer, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan(c), Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik(w), Tim Seifert, Sunil Narine, Shivam Mavi, Tim Southee, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Punjab Kings (Playing XI): KL Rahul(w/c), Mayank Agarwal, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Shahrukh Khan, Deepak Hooda, Fabian Allen, Nathan Ellis, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh.

Chris Gayle ends IPL 2021 stint with Punjab Kings to ‘mentally refresh’ ahead of T20 World Cup

Popular West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle has decided to cut short his stint with PBKS in the ongoing IPL 2021. Gayle termed ‘bubble fatigue’ as the factor which influenced this decision, having spent quite a period of time in a bio-bubble playing franchise and International cricket in recent times. The 42-year-old won’t be available now for selection for the remainder of PBKS’ games, which will certainly be an area of concern for the Punjab-based franchise.

“Over the last few months, I have been a part of the CWI bubble, CPL bubble followed by the IPL bubble, and I wish to mentally recharge and refresh myself. I want to refocus on helping the West Indies in the T20 World Cup and would like to take a break in Dubai. My thanks to the Punjab Kings for giving me the time off. My wishes and hopes are with the squad always. All the very best for the games coming up,” said the Windies superstar as quoted by PBKS’ official website.