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.