There needs to be some sense in PBKS' batting performances: Wasim Jaffer

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) have three wins in six league matches of IPL 2022 and are in the seventh position in the points table. Although the team has done well with the bat, the bowlers have struggled to pick the wickets. Currently, they are facing the Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 32 of the tournament. The former Indian cricketer Wasim Jaffer discussed the shortcomings of PBKS and shared his views on Shikhar Dhawan’s form as well.

In the powerplay overs, PBKS have a run rate of 9.80 but have lost wickets in a consistent manner thereon, and have a run rate of 8.38 in the final five overs. In response to their run rate in the two stages of their innings, Jaffer reckoned that their aggressive approach is fine, as long as is it firing. He added that they have lacked consistency in posting runs with this strategy, have often lost wickets, and need to have some sense in the middle-overs.

“They like to play aggressive cricket, so there are no surprises. But sometimes they are losing far too many wickets, and even the tail-enders are getting to bat in every game. Something for them to address I feel, it’s okay if you get one or two times out of 10 times, but every time you are looking like posting 200-210, but folding out for around 150. You ‘live by the sword, die by the sword’, but they are dying more than living. There needs to be some sense in their batting performance,” said Wasim Jaffer on Sky247.net presents ‘Not Just Cricket Show’ on CricTracker.

Shikhar Dhawan needs to score 500-600 runs: Wasim Jaffer

On being asked about Shikhar Dhawan’s inability to make a comeback to the Indian team, Jaffer felt that the southpaw has under performed in the ongoing season of the IPL. He said that Dhawan has to be consistent in order to come into the same bracket of Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul, who are already certain for the top-order in T20 World Cup. He further said, Dhawan needs to score at least 500-600 runs to grab the attention of the selectors and help Punjab Kings to do well in the tournament.

“I think Rohit and Rahul are the definite picks for the World Cup. So, Shikhar Dhawan needs to come in that bracket. He needs to score 500-600 runs, then I think the selectors will be thinking about him, otherwise he has still under performed in this IPL. He has a single big knock, and is a far better player than that. If Punjab needs to do well and he himself wants to make a comeback in the World Cup, he needs to come on his own,” Jaffer added.

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