Ankit_sharma03 Posted April 1, 2021 Share Posted April 1, 2021 KL Rahul ended IPL 2020 as the highest run-getter with 670 runs in 14 matches. But the talking point of the Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) skipper was his strike rate, which was 129.35. From being an aggressive opener, Rahul switched to playing anchor, and his lack of intent in the PowerPlay cost his team a playoff spot as they lost a couple of close matches from winning positions. Rahul defended his changed approach during a post-match conference when he said: "Strike rates are very, very overrated." Punjab Kings batting coach Wasim Jaffer tried to explain the view of the captain in an interaction with TOI. "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," Jaffer said. In true sense, Rahul is a three-dimensional player for his franchise. He is the captain, an opener, besides donning the big gloves for a few seasons now. After a forgettable T20I series, his return to form in the ODIs against England is a good sign for the Punjab Kings. He had copped a lot of criticism for his four failures in T20 Internationals, but came back in style to shut out the 'outside noise.' "It can happen to any player. The more games he played, the better he became. Yes, he had a poor T20 series, but it did not make him a bad batsman. He has scored centuries in all three formats and knows his game better than anyone else. In the ODIs, he showed why he is such a special player," said Jaffer. On paper, Punjab Kings again have a promising squad and could be strong contenders for a spot in the playoffs. The problem with the Mohali-based franchise over the years has been 'consistency.' "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," said Jaffer. Jaffer, however, refused to answer the question on the logic of spending millions on two overseas pacers who won't be playing all the matches. In hindsight, an additional Indian pacer in the form of Umesh Yadav would have been a wiser option. He said: "I am not the right guy to answer this. But we do have a talented pool of Indian pacers in the form of Arshdeep Singh, Ishan Porel and Darshan Nalkande." Punjab are a top-heavy side, and they have missed someone at No. 5, 6, or 7, who can up the ante in the last four or five overs. They invested heavily in Maxwell in the previous season, but the Australian failed to hit a single six in his 13 outings. It was one of the reasons they struggled to close out matches from winning positions in IPL 2020. "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," Jaffer said. Link- https://www.cricbuzz.com/cricket-news/116878/this-time-well-see-an-aggressive-kl-rahul-wasim-jaffer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ankit_sharma03 Posted April 1, 2021 Author Share Posted April 1, 2021 good but the day its published makes me have some doubts nevada, saik, GautiMaan and 1 other 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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