The Punjab Kings (PBKS) faced a barrage of criticism on social media for their dismal fielding display in the ongoing IPL 2024 clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, PBKS found themselves struggling against the in-form opening pair of Sunil Narine and Phil Salt.
Early in the match, PBKS had a chance to dismiss Narine, but Harpreet Brar spilled the opportunity, failing to hold onto a catch off Harshal Patel’s delivery. The skipper, Sam Curran, added to the woes by dropping a straightforward chance at mid-off, granting Phil Salt a significant reprieve.
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Despite the initial fielding lapses, Narine and Salt capitalized on their second chances, both recording impressive fifties and setting KKR on course for a formidable total.
Here is the video of the dropped catches:
Social media erupted with reactions, highlighting PBKS’s fielding woes and questioning their coaching setup, which lacks a designated fielding coach despite having experienced mentors like Trevor Bayliss, Sanjay Bangar, and Brad Haddin.
PBKS fielders today: pic.twitter.com/dPpnIWkrsk
— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) April 26, 2024
PBKS Players Today 🤡. pic.twitter.com/EEgbXP8le2
— Aufridi Chumtya (@ShuhidAufridi) April 26, 2024
PBKS Fielders Tonight! #KKRvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/9RmDjmZeLK
— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) April 26, 2024
However, PBKS managed to redeem themselves slightly when Jonny Bairstow held onto a catch at long on, dismissing Narine off Rahul Chahar’s bowling. Narine’s dismissal marked a brief moment of relief for PBKS, but the damage had already been done by the KKR batters.
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The incident underscores the significance of fielding in modern cricket, with most IPL franchises prioritizing fielding prowess and even employing specialist fielding coaches. PBKS’s struggles highlight the need for improvement in this aspect of their game if they aim to turn their fortunes around in the ongoing IPL season.
