Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) batting coach Wasim Jaffer reckons that the franchise will soon be considering including Chris Gayle and  Mujeeb Ur Rahman in the playing XI. KXIP has been struggling in the tournament so far, losing four of their five games, with death bowling proving to be their biggest concern. Jaffer reckons that despite a disappointing run so far, “it only takes a game or two” to turn things around. 

Talking about the same to PTI, the KXIP coach said, “It should happen soon. Chris looks very much ready and is keen to get on to the park, he has been training really well and has looked really good in the nets. He is such an impact player, we all know what he can do. I hope he turns up and turns it on the straightaway and changes the tide for all of us. I am hoping he plays quickly. We need match-winners, as many as possible.”

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Jaffer said his team is in a situation where it needs to win seven out of the remaining nine league matches in order to stand a chance to reach the playoffs, a tough task but doable. For that, the Punjab-based franchise needs to rework its composition and decide who will make way for Gayle and Mujeeb. Nicholas Pooran and Glenn Maxwell, who are yet to make an impact, are certain to retain their place in the eleven.

Talking about the team, Jaffer said, “KL (Rahul) and Mayank (Agarwal) has done most of the work so far (in batting). Pooran has been batting really well. We obviously need MaxQwell to fire. We got some time off and we will put our mind to it if Gayle and Mujeeb come in, who will make way for them. Pooran is keeping also, so which are the other guys (that can be replaced). I am sure they know what is the best thing to do going forward.”

Expressing his point on the campaign so far, Jaffer said the close losses against Delhi Capitals (via Super Over) and Rajasthan Royals are bound to affect the players.

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The batting coach said, “In a tournament like this, close losses always affect you. Because this is a tournament where you need to win at least seven to eight games, especially the ones against DC and RR, definitely has its effect on the team because we could have easily won our first three matches (before losses against MI and CSK). We need to perform collectively, something we have not done yet.”