IPL 2021: 3 Changes PBKS should make to get back to winning ways

Just before the IPL 2021 auction, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) changed their name to Punjab Kings (PBKS). They would have hoped for the new name to bring good luck. However, that has not been the case and Punjab Kings have been struggling of late.

Their first match was against Rajasthan Royals (RR) where Sanju Samson threatened to take the game away from them but faltered towards the end. After registering their first win of the season, PBKS have found it hard and have lost their last two matches against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Delhi Capitals (DC) respectively. It is very important for PBKS to bounce back or else they are going to find it really difficult.

They need to make a few changes to ensure that they do not repeat their mistakes from their last two matches. It is still early days in the IPL and PBKS can still turn things around if they make a few changes to their XI.

Today we shall be taking a look at 3 changes PBKS should make to get back to winning ways:

1) Drop Either Jhye Richardson or Riley Meredith

Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith were absolutely sensational in the BBL, to say the least. PBKS purchased them for a large sum of money and were hoping that they could replicate their BBL performances over here as well. However, that did not turn out to be the case as both of them have been far from impressive.

While Jhye Richardson has taken 3 wickets in as many matches, he has given away 117 runs in 11 overs. Riley Meredith, on the other hand, has picked just the 2 wickets in the 3 matches he has played so far. He has given away 105 runs in just the 10 overs.

As they both are overseas players, one would expect a better how from them. However, PBKS can’t drop both as it would leave Punjab’s bowling vulnerable, hence the best would be to leave out any one of them and play an extra overseas batsman. The PBKS management could give Ishan Porel a chance. Porel has been superb in the domestic circuit and would be raring to go if and when given the opportunity.