The Punjab Kings is definitely one team that needs to figure things out. The team hasn’t won the IPL even once since the inception of the league. The team is currently placed 6th in the table and still has a significant chance of making it through to the playoffs. Unquestionably one of the most entertaining teams, Punjab has a few problems to address. So here’s the SWOT analysis: –
Strengths of Punjab Kings: –
The biggest strength that Punjab possesses is its top-order batting. With the likes of KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, and Nicholas Pooran as their top four, the team is batting heavy. Add to it the power-hitting of Deepak Hooda and Sharukh Khan. KL Rahul has looked a bit vulnerable in approach as he wasn’t playing with complete freedom. Rahul mostly tries to anchor the innings so that the batsmen at the other end can explore their options. The other strength of the Kings has to be their spin bowling.
The Kings have a good set of leggies. This includes the experienced Adil Rashid and the young Ravi Bishnoi. Murugan Ashwin, who dominated the TNPL is also a part of this squad. Add to it the variations of Harpreet Brar and Deepak Hooda. The options available for KL Rahul at his disposal are certainly more than food items in a platter.
Weakness of the Punjab Kings: –
After the exit of their Australian Pace Battery, the pace lineup looks tacky. Although you have the experienced Mohammad Shami, you need a quick pacer to compliment him. Chris Jordan and Arshdeep Singh are the other available options but Jordan has looked off-color in the recent past. Arshdeep’s pace too is not something that can scare the opposition. So, the Kings are short of a genuinely quick bowler. Maybe there can be a case of “Too many cooks spoil the broth” in terms of batting. As mostly only top-order batsmen are available.
Opportunities of the Punjab Kings: –
It is a great opportunity for Rahul to fine-tune his attacking game before the World Cup. The first leg didn’t witness KL in full bloom and this seems like the correct time to set in the groove. With Mitchell Marsh’s fitness being questionable, there is also an outside chance for Moises Henriques to grab the eyes of the Australian Selectors prior to the grand stage. Apart from this Indian youngsters including Arshdeep Singh and Ishan Porel can make their presence felt in absence of a genuinely quick bowler.
Threats for Punjab Kings: –
The biggest threat certainly is the form of Nicholas Pooran. He is the mainstay of any T20 team over the globe but his form in the first leg was terrible. He barely scored any runs in the first leg. Along with that, the form of Universe Boss is also vulnerable. With Aiden Markram replacing Malan, there is a chance that he might get a game in place of Gayle. Irrespective of all the available options, death bowling ruins the plans of the Kings. It is about time that Mohammad Shami brings out his A-game in the shortest format.