Former India player Pragyan Ojha said that Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) progress in IPL 2022 has suffered a lot due to their over-aggressive approach with the bat. He also added that most of their problems in the ongoing edition are self-created too as well. Notably, they were considered one of the strongest contenders to lift the IPL 2022 trophy as they had a brilliant start but soon faced rock bottom. They are currently in the eighth position in the points table with only four wins from nine games so far.
While speaking on Cricbuzz, he explained: “Punjab’s problem is that they play just one way. Their vehicle is always in fifth gear, they refuse to shift down to fourth gear, even if there is a wall in front or if the vehicle is broken. They need to play as per the game situation. They were strong contenders for the title this year and their problems are self-created.”
READ HERE: Gary Kirsten all set to work with Hardik Pandya
However, Punjab Kings have lost three of their last five matches. In their last game, they lost to the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 20 runs. While chasing 154, they were restricted to 133 for eight in 20 overs. Meanwhile, according to former Indian batter Ajay Jadeja, Punjab Kings must include their big-hitter Shahrukh Khan into the playing XI. But, his poor form saw all-rounder Rishi Dhawan’s inclusion in the team. The veteran also suggested that Jonny Bairstow could open the innings as well as keep wickets instead of Jitesh Sharma while Mayank Agarwal could play in the middle order too as well.
“With due respect to the Indian players in the PBKS squad who have replaced Shahrukh Khan, they are not better than him. They should bring Shahrukh back. This team has the players but they are not utilizing their talent properly,” he added.
However, he also applauded Gujarat Titans (GT) for their consistent performance in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022. According to him, Gujarat just seems to be getting better and better with each game they play. However, they are currently at the top of the points table with 16 points from nine matches. They will next take on the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Tuesday, 3 May.
READ HERE: India will struggle if Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma don’t score, says Mohammad Hafeez
Previewing the clash, Jadeja said on Cricbuzz: “Gujarat Titans play better than you expect or predict. They snatched wins in two to three games where defeat seemed imminent. Their last victory (over RCB) was the most convincing one. They were in cruise control. Shubman Gill hasn’t scored runs in a while. Hardik Pandya did not score in the last game. In spite of that, they won with calmness.”
“GT have made as many changes as the other sides, most of them forced ones. However, it did not impact them because this is not a team that plans and plays as per a set pattern. Whichever player comes in is expected to do what is best for the team and what he is capable of. This is the big difference between GT and other sides,” he concluded.
