IPL 2017: 5 areas Kings XI Punjab should work on to remain in contention for the play-offs

Kings XI Punjab lost to Gujarat Lions in their last game and it was their sixth defeat of the season. The loss diminishes their chances of getting into the play-offs as the margin for error is very thin now.

Punjab have won five matches so far and to finish in top four in the points table, they need to have eight wins. That means they need to win all their remaining games. But to their dismay, these three games are against the top three teams of this year’s IPL. Punjab will be locking horns against KKR, MI, and RPS and hence will have to pull out some special performances to keep their hopes alive.

Here we discuss the top five areas which Punjab must take care of to ensure that they book a place in the play-offs.

#1 Replacement for Amla

Hashim Amla has had a terrific run in IPL 2017. With 420 runs in 10 innings, which includes two centuries, he climbed to the fourth spot in the top run-getters list. However, he won’t be available for the remaining matches as he has to fulfil his national duties.

This creates a big issue for Punjab as they are already facing problems in getting their opening combination right. So far, Amla provided the stability at the top but now Punjab have to look out for a fresh opening pair.

The combination of Shaun Marsh and Martin Guptill could be the solution. Marsh has the ability and the experience to provide solid starts while Guptill can score at a brisk pace in the powerplay overs.

Another option available for Punjab is Manan Vohra. In fact, the Indian batsman has a naturally aggressive batting style which along with Guptill can prove to be dangerous for opposition teams. And then they can have Marsh at number three as insurance if someone from Guptill and Vohra perishes early.

#2 Over dependence on Maxwell in the middle overs

Over-reliance on Maxwell has cost Punjab

In Marsh and Guptill, Punjab have a formidable top order but their middle order has always looked vulnerable. So far in this year’s IPL, they have relied heavily on Glenn Maxwell in the middle order.

With David Miller and Marcus Stoinis ruled out of this IPL and the non-availability of an experienced Indian middle order batsman, Punjab are struggling for options.

Against RCB, Kings XI tried to slot Vohra in the middle order but it didn’t yield any good results. In their last match, they brought in Gurkeerat Singh to strengthen the middle order. But given Gurkeerat’s lack of experience, he too is a gamble.

The trouble for Punjab is the fact that all four of their overseas players bat in the top four. The team management has to either make one of these four batsmen bat lower down the order or rely on an Indian batsman to get the job done.

Axar Patel has emerged as a reliable option and given his ability to hit big shots, he can be promoted up in the batting order.

But one thing is for certain, Punjab cannot rely only on Maxwell to deliver in every match. Someone has to step up and shoulder that responsibility.

#3 Consistency in the pace department

Sharma has been the pick of the bowlers for Punjab

Sandeep Sharma has delivered some memorable spells in this year’s IPL but he depends on the conditions and availability of swing to thrive. With the new ball, he is absolutely fantastic but the same cannot be said about his death bowling.

Punjab have shown immense confidence in Mohit Sharma but by just picking nine wickets in 11 innings, he has failed to create any substantial impact. His economy rate of 8.57 is also on the higher side. On the other hand, Varun Aaron’s pace has in fact backfired while Thangarasu Natarajan hasn’t been able to meet the challenges of playing at this level.

Bowling has always remained a weak link for Punjab and their solution for this was to increase their batting might. But as they face some capable batting line-ups in their upcoming games, Punjab have to make sure that their pace bowlers bring in some consistency to their line and length.

#4 Spin partner for Axar Patel

Axar Patel is the lone specialist spinner in the team

Axar Patel has played his role of drying out the runs and picking vital wickets effectively but as he is Punjab’s lone spinner, he has to bowl in the powerplay as well as in the middle overs and also has to chip in with an over or two at the death.

Although Maxwell has been decent with his part-time bowling, his off-spin has limitations and hence it won’t be a bad idea for Punjab to include another specialist spinner as they play decisive games in the upcoming days.

KC Cariappa has had limited opportunities in which he delivered an erratic performance. Maxwell and Co. will have to come up with a strategy which will reduce the burden off Axar’s shoulders.

#5 Getting the overseas player combination right

Marsh is one of the overseas players who is a certain name on the teamsheet

So far Punjab’s overseas player combination in the playing XI has been one-dimensional. They have persisted on using all their overseas strength to boost their batting which has led to mixed results.

Out of the four slots available to them, Maxwell and Marsh occupy two without any hesitation while Guptill also looks to be a certainty. This leaves one slot open and Kings XI must fill it by asking themselves what they need the most.

Although the temptation to add another overseas batsman is too heavy, Punjab may actually benefit by roping in an all-rounder or a bowler.

Darren Sammy is a utility cricketer. With the bat, he can solve Punjab’s problem as a finisher as the Caribbean cricketer is known for hitting big strokes. And with the ball, he can sneak in with a few overs at crucial moments. Add to it his immense experience and Darren Sammy may turn out to be the x-factor for Punjab in what is a ‘make or break’ situation.