IPL 2021: “Punjab Kings’ Hands Were Still Tied Because Of Injuries” – Aakash Chopra

The Punjab Kings suffered their eighth loss in the Indian Premier League 2021 season on Sunday. Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra feels that the unavailability of players due to injuries hampered Punjab Kings’ campaign.

The KL Rahul-led team failed to chase down 164 runs against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. They lost the encounter by 6 runs, helping the Royal Challengers Bangalore to seal their spot in the playoffs. While reviewing the Sunday clash between the two teams, Aakash Chopra pointed out that Punjab Kings’ campaign has been ridden by injuries.

He added that the team even decided to play only three overseas players. Aakash Chopra said:

“The Punjab Kings’ hands were still tied, that is because players are not getting available because of injuries. Fabien Allen was not there, so you had to make more changes. You play Moises Henriques, whom I have been asking you to play.”

“Harpreet Brar also comes back as a left-arm spinner as Fabien Allen is not there. This was a good thing with this team. Deepak Hooda was also made to sit out and they played Sarfaraz in place of him, no issues. They played just three overseas players in the XI – Pooran, Markram, and Henriques. They made Ellis sit out,” he added.

All the cream in the batting line-up is at the top and there Punjab Kings get stuck: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra highlighted that a heavy top-order and not having enough quality in the middle-order has also troubled the Punjab Kings. He added that the strategy towards the end by the batters was baffling. Aakash said,

“The problem with the Punjab batting is that they are top-heavy, all the cream is at the top and there they get stuck. Rahul and Mayank did well, they had a 91-run partnership in 10.5 overs, then you should have won the match.”

“How will you win because Nicholas Pooran is not making runs. Markram scored 20 runs, was trying to get out, and got out. Sarfraz was sent ahead of Shahrukh, I don’t know why. In the end, Shahrukh was hitting but Henriques was taking singles, why, I have got no idea. It didn’t make sense at all,” Aakash Chopra concluded.

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