Let’s be real. Punjab Kings fans have seen it all. From nailbiting finishes to panache collapsing, the trip has been a roller coaster. But, as the IPL playoffs approach, there is one thing that is getting close to a bad dream for the PBKS camp: their bowling. Although the batters have generally managed to hold their own, it is their bowling unit that has PBKS scrunching their brows and losing sleep. So, should PBKS have to worry about their bowling? In laconic terms: yes. Let’s dissect why.
Cracks in the Armor: Over-Reliance on Arshdeep & Brar
Punjab’s bowling this season feels like a beautifully layered cake with a hollow interior. In a team that has Arshdeep Singh, who continues to deliver fire with the new ball and even cooler spells at the death overs, Harpreet Brar has also produced the odd memorable moment and is particularly good at choking runs in the middle over, but anything deeper looks very thin on the support cast.
With the inconsistent form of Rahul Chahar and Kagiso Rabada not firing on all cylinders, the team is reliant on a handful of bowlers. It raises a serious red flag when Arshdeep or Brar have an off day, and no one else is stepping up consistently to fill in the gap. That is a flirtation with danger in the heat of the playoffs.
South African Strength Missing in Action
Let’s address the elephant not in the room – Marco Jansen. The fact that he is not part of the team, especially at this vital stage of the tournament, is more than simply a missing name in the team list. Jansen can swing the ball up front and has presence with awkward lengths, making him a real asset, especially on Indian pitches, which like tall seamers with good bounce and variation.
With him missing the remainder of the tournament (including an important match against MI), PBKS is not only missing a solid overseas option, but a potential source of momentum with the new ball. In a format that can turn on one over, the loss of a player like Jansen could be a playoff knockout before the first ball has even been bowled.
Read More: Punjab Kings’ Secret Sauce? Batting Depth, Bowling Bite & Big Match Grit
No Clarity, No Consistency: The Bowling Puzzle That Never Solves Itself
One of the most irritating parts about the PBKS bowling unit was the catastrophic lack of consistency and role identification. Bowlers seemed stranded in indecision about their roles – who bowls in the powerplay? Sometimes you see Brar opening the attack, and sometimes you see a mystery spinner or all-rounder trying to cover some holes.
This uncertainty isn’t only evident to supporters, it might be reflected in the locker room, too. Playoff teams usually have a clear roster and defined roles for bowlers. PBKS often appears to be making it up as they go along, trying to find a magical combination that somehow works. You can’t trial and error your way to success when you are facing the playoff eliminator.
For the PBKS to be truly serious about making a deep playoff push, their bowling attack needs more than a couple of bright spots. Cricket is a team game, and in T20s, a bad over can ruin the whole game. PBKS being so reliant on Arshdeep and Brar, the absence of Jansen, and the frequently changing bowling roles they offer creates an unstable mixture ready to blow up at the worst time!
So then, are the Punjab Kings going to have to worry about their bowling as they get ready for the playoffs? What do you think – can PBKS fix their bowling unit in time, or is this the Achilles heel that prevents them from winning the title? Tell us in the comments.
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