Follow UsPunjab Kings (PBKS) take on four-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Match 11 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 at the Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai.
After getting off to an excellent start, PBKS succumbed to a six-wicket loss at the hands of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and will look to bounce back against the Ravindra Jadeja-led side, who have lost their opening two matches for the very first time.
Speaking of CSK, former Sri Lanka all-rounder Russel Arnold reckons there is no need for them to press the panic button as yet and reckons they can turn it around.
“They can turn it around, it's a long season. It's time to start picking up wins, else you'll be left behind,” Arnold said on Cricket.com.
“They have not recruited well. They haven't got many X-factors and they've relied on many tried and tested players over the past. Most of these players aren't actively playing cricket, you're not as sharp. It's very hard just to switch on for a T20 tournament only.
“CSK are in that position when you look at a lot of their players. They haven't got their first picks in and I feel if they don't get a win or two very quickly, then there's a reason to panic.”
Having won the Orange Cap last season, a lot was expected of Ruturaj Gaikwad this season but the 25-year-old has registered scores of 0 and 1 this season so far. He was among the four players CSK retained this season and Arnold feels the weight of expectations has worn him down.
“This is what happens with lots of young players who burst onto the scene. Because there's pressure, they come out there and express themselves,” Arnold said.
“As you go on, the expectations are on your shoulders. There's more expectations on Gaikwad shoulders this year to take the batting line-up through.
“He was tried for India and all that tends to wear you down. That's when you need to evolve. It's a test for Gaikwad. You have to back him to come out of this. If Gaikwad fires it translates to the team settling into a better rhythm and well-oiled.”
While Ravindra Jadeja has not stamped his authority ad captain just yet, Arnold reckons he’ll get there quietly.
“I think Jadeja is kind of a player who will thrive in this situation. Thrive on the responsibility of being given the captaincy. But he has got to settle into it,” Arnold opines.
“You can't help but look to MS Dhoni with his experience flowing through. It's about getting the right balance and for Jadeja to settle in and just play his game. Quietly, he'll grow into the captaincy, he'll start learning to call the shorts and understand his players.”
As far as PBKS captain Mayank Agarwal is concerned, Arnold was not particularly pleased with the way he led the side against KKR.
“For Punjab Kings, it is important that Agarwal uses his bowlers wisely. I don't think he did that against KKR. Once they were 51 for 4, things should have been different with the way Agarwal thought and used his bowlers,” Arnold said.
CSK have the upper hand against PBKS historically having won 15 of the 25 matches against them as they look to avoid losing three games in a row.