"The Punjab coaches need to be fired in the middle of this game"- Fans troll PBKS for dismal bowling performance vs KKR in IPL 2024 clash
Punjab Kings (PBKS) gave another dismal bowling performance against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens on April 26.
Winning the toss and electing to field, the PBKS bowlers were smashed to all corners of the ground by KKR openers Sunil Narine and Phil Salt. The duo added 138 for the opening wicket off 62 deliveries, with both batters scoring in the 70s at strike rates of over 200.
The carnage continued even after the openers' dismissal, with almost every incoming KKR batter punishing the lifeless PBKS attack. Skipper Sam Curran conceded 60 off his four overs, while ace pacer Kagiso Rabada gave away 52 in his three overs.
All the PBKS bowlers except Rahul Chahar went at over 10 runs per over, resulting in KKR finishing with their second-highest IPL total of 261/6 in 20 overs.
Fans on Twitter heavily trolled the horrific PBKS bowling performance with a mix of anger and sarcasm.
Here are some of the best reactions:
The trolls continued for the hapless PBKS unit with one fan saying:
"The Punjab coaches need to be fired in the middle of this game. This is all on them. Bad coaching for the temp captain, bad fielding coach, bad bowling coach, bad selecting with Rilee in previous games, they all need to be fired immediately."
"Brilliant bowling by PBKS so far! KKR batsmen are finding it tough with only 145 on the board after 11 overs. Keep it up, PBKS!" tweeted a fan sarcastically.
"Brain dead bowling. #PBKS," a fan tweeted.
Defeat in KKR clash will have PBKS on the brink of elimination
It has been another tumultuous season for PBKS and their fans, with the side struggling at second to bottom on the points table.
With only two wins in eight games and having lost four straight, PBKS were in virtual must-win territory entering the KKR clash. A seventh defeat would mean the Sam Curran-led side will have to win their final five matches by a massive margin and hope for several other results to go their way.
PBKS have been the biggest underachievers in IPL history, qualifying for the playoffs only twice in 16 seasons. They have played in only one final and are yet to win the elusive IPL title.
As things stand, PBKS have begun their run-chase well at 45/0 in 3 overs, with Prabhsimran Singh on 36 off 13 deliveries.