IPL 2021: Virender Sehwag feels Punjab Kings should address their batting issues before it's too late

Punjab Kings lost to Kolkata Knight Riders in their sixth match of the season.

Punjab Kings | IPL/BCCI

Former India cricketer Virender Sehwag spoke about the batting issues in Punjab Kings (PBKS) after they lost to Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Monday (April 26). After losing 8 wickets inside 100 runs, Punjab managed only 123/9 in 20 overs. 

There was no long partnership in Punjab's innings to take them to a good total. Only opener Mayank Agarwal (31) and Chris Jordan (30) made a decent contribution with the bat.

“Punjab need to sort out their resources, especially when they are batting first. No doubt Punjab bowled very well. They also produced a brilliant performance with the ball against Mumbai Indians in their last game. But the most important factor for them is their batting,” Sehwag, who has played and coached the Priety Zinta-owned franchise in the past, told Cricbuzz.

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Sehwag feels it's time for the big names like Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran to step up for their side. Pooran is having a terrible season with the bat and he has scored only 28 runs in 6 matches.

“They need to make sure that their hard-hitters start performing well which will eventually make them consistent in winning games. They have the firepower to score 200-plus runs. Even if two out of their four batsmen click at right time, they can completely change the game.

"We call CSK as one of the best teams because once their batters gain form, all of them can be seen contributing. That contribution of 20-30 runs from each batter was missing in the case of Punjab Kings. None of them contributed,” Sehwag added.

Kolkata won the match against PBKS by 5 wickets after chasing down 124 runs in 16.4 overs. They lost three wickets in the powerplay, but captain Eoin Morgan (47*) and Rahul Tripathi (41) ensured they secure their second win of the season. 

(With Cricbuzz Inputs)

 
 

By - 27 Apr, 2021

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