EXCLUSIVE
Follow UsPunjab Kings (PBKS) take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in a clash that does not have much riding on. While PBKS are still mathematically in with a shot of making the playoffs, SRH are out of the competition. Both sides have had troubles of their own.
While PBKS have lost a few from the jaws of victory, SRH, on the other hand, have not really clicked with their batting or their bowling departments this season.
“Punjab Kings have become the masters of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. Sunrisers have struggled in all departments. It’s not the first time it has happened to them (Losing from a winning position). But people are thinking they’ve turned a corner. KL Rahul is making runs, they’ve made some excellent all-round signing from the CPL. It’s just a little bit lightweight than what rest of the teams are calling upon,” former England batsman Mark Butcher said on Cricket.com’s Man vs Machine.
However, Butcher admits that pacer Arshdeep Singh is one of the rare shining lights in the PBKS side at the moment.
“You could just point to that and say he is left-handed. The left-handers are like gold dust. But that’s a little unfair for someone who comes in with not much of fanfare and he has acquainted himself quite beautifully. He might be one of those guys in the future auctions who gets picked up by a more successful franchise looking for their doze of left-arm magic. So, he’s done himself no end of favours,” Butcher said.
While Wriddhiman Saha is an excellent wicketkeeper, Butcher reckons he just does not fit the bill at the top of the batting line-up for SRH. Weighing in on SRH’s woes, Butcher, who has eight Test centuries to his name said, As an IPL franchise, if the best you can do is Wriddhiman Saha, who is a terrific wicketkeeper, decent batter. But if that’s the best you can do at the top of the order, then you are setting yourself up for big trouble.”
“Not scored many runs through the middle as well. Kane Williamson has struggled, Warner hasn’t scored any. It’s been a big shocker for them. As far as Punjab Kings are concerned, just changing your name is not going to help. I’m afraid you’ve got to do something more fundamental than that,” he further added.
Incidentally, SRH’s only win this season came against Punjab, who they beat by nine wickets in Chennai in April. Can they complete a double to further dent Punjab’s hopes?
