Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul was the most prolific batsman in the IPL last season, scoring 670 runs to claim the Orange Cap for the first time.
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The Punjab-based franchise will be known as Punjab Kings (PBKS) from the IPL 2021. This move is the second such initiative undertaken by a team in recent times, after Delhi-based franchise Delhi Daredevils were renamed Delhi Capitals. This modification in name and the resultant transformation in identity, has been followed by major changes in the squad, with a few additions quite interesting in nature.
The Punjab-based franchise has failed to win the cash-rich league in any edition so far, which the team management will be certainly looking to make amends for. Considering the presence of some of the best in the business, a triumph in the IPL 2021 for Punjab Kings might well be a reasonable possibility. Let’s take a look at the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for PBKS going into the upcoming season:
1) Top Order: PBKS has one of the most exciting top-orders, with Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul opening the innings, followed by Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran. Agarwal and Rahul were in excellent form for the franchise last season, scoring runs with great consistency. The same would be expected in the upcoming edition, with these players well capable of getting the job done and dusted single-handedly.
2) Presence of potential stars: The likes of Shahrukh Khan, Prabhsimran Singh, Fabian Allen enjoy the potential to emerge as game-changers, considering their immense talent. PBKS are blessed to have such talented players who may well explode on the big stage in the upcoming season.
1) Dependence on Mohammed Shami: PBKS are yet again dependent on the Indian pacer for breakthroughs, considering the absence of other experienced fast-bowlers. Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith enjoy limited experience in Indian conditions. This might result in runs being leaked. Chris Jordan is known for blowing hot and cold, which is an area of concern. Arshdeep Singh and Ishan Porel are the only other recognised domestic pacers. This shifts the responsibility on Shami yet again.
2) Absence of quality experience in spin attack: PBKS lack the presence of a world-class, experienced spinner which is critical. Ravi Bishnoi and Murugan Ashwin are the key spinners. Harpreet Brar and Jalaj Saxena are the remaining alternatives in the spin department. None of these players enjoy quality experience at the highest level. This might leave KL Rahul in a spot of bother.
3) Lack of dependable middle-order batsmen: Subramanian Badrinath was deemed the ideal candidate when it came to executing a tidy chase. The Punjab-based franchise lacked such a player last season, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. They continue to miss out on a reliable middle-order batsman with sufficient experience in the IPL. Dawid Malan struggled in the recent series against India, with Shahrukh Khan playing his maiden edition.
Mayank Agarwal has been sidelined ever since his below-par performance in the tour of Australia. Agarwal will look to bounce back in contention for the opener’s role, with a quality display in IPL 2021.
Mohammed Shami will be playing his first tournament since the injury during the Test series in Australia. This could result in him conceding a few runs, as a result of being out of touch. Shami could further be sidelined for a few matches, due to a niggle or muscle pull. The fast-bowler’s absence could well expose the lack of quality depth in the bowling department, costing the franchise games.
Shahrukh Khan’s performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy were quite exceptional. He might well maintain the same form in IPL 2021, making his presence felt.
KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, Deepak Hooda, Prabhsimran Singh, Mohammed Shami. Chris Jordan, Darshan Nalkande, Ravi Bishnoi, Murugan Ashwin, Arshdeep Singh, Harpreet Brar, Ishan Porel, Dawid Malan, Jhye Richardson, Shahrukh Khan. Riley Meredith, Moises Henriques, Jalaj Saxena, Utkarsh Singh, Fabian Allen, Saurabh Kumar.
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