Disappointing loss, but we showed a lot of character: Charl Langeveldt

Despite getting off to a good start in the powerplay, Punjab Kings (PBKS) lost their way and could manage just 142. It would have been worse had Harpreet Brar (29) and Harpreet Singh Bhatia (14) not rescued their innings in the end.

From 53/0, PBKS found themselves reeling at 99/7 in a span of 10 overs as Gujarat Titans (GT) pulled things back. The Shubman Gill-led side bowled as many as 13 overs of spin, with Sai  Kishore being the pick of the bowlers finishing with 4/33.

Reflecting on the loss, PBKS bowling coach Charl Langeveldt acknowledged that the GT spinners were indeed the reason behind his side's loss.

"Disappointing. Players are hurt as well as the staff and the fans," Langeveldt said at the post-match press conference. 

"We showed a lot of character with the ball. We had a good powerplay with the bat for the first time in three games, but in the middle period, their spinners were too quality for our batters, and we struggled. We just need the middle order upfront to get more runs. We were probably 20 runs short on that wicket."

Langeveldt also acknowledged that his side were about 20 runs short in on the Mullanpur wicket and has urged his batters, especially the middle order to step up.

"That's something we want to improve, get more runs on the board. We are going to travel now and play on better batting wickets, and that would give the batters a bit more confidence going into the last few games. We take every game like a semi-final," Langeveldt said.

"The batters are definitely going to be happy about the next venue [Eden Gardens, Kolkata]. The bowlers need to step up as well when we play at different venues, higher-scoring grounds. Hopefully, our batters will come good for us."

PBKS have won just two out of their eight games so far, but Langeveldt says his side is positive as they approach their remaining fixtures. "We still have to have that belief. We are a positive side, the boys showed a lot of character in the field. There's a lot to play for, we just need to win," the former South Africa pace said.

PBKS will take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) next on April 26 (Friday) at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

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