Punjab Kings are on a two-match losing streak in IPL 2024 right now. They suffered close defeats in their last two matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals. Both matches happened in Mullanpur, and in both games, Punjab Kings had a chance of winning until the last over.
Captain Shikhar Dhawan had a niggle, which forced him to miss the match against Rajasthan Royals. All-rounder Sam Curran captained the Kings in his absence. Assuming Dhawan is unavailable for the upcoming IPL 2024 match against the Mumbai Indians as well, here’s a list of two changes, which the Punjab Kings must make to get back to the winning track.
1. Rilee Rossouw should replace Jonny Bairstow in Punjab Kings team for IPL 2024 match against Mumbai Indians
Rilee Rossouw received a massive contract worth 8 crore from the Punjab Kings at the auction. However, the destructive left-handed batter from South Africa has warmed the benches so far in IPL 2024. Perhaps, the Kings should give him a chance in place of Jonny Bairstow.
Shedding some light on Bairstow’s stats in IPL 2024, the right-handed batter has managed just 96 runs in six matches. His average has been less than 20, which is why the Kings should give him a break and bring in Rossouw.
2. Rishi Dhawan in for Harshal Patel
Death bowling has been an issue for the Punjab Kings this season. They offered a big deal to Harshal Patel, but he has leaked runs at more than 10 runs per over so far in IPL 2024.
Perhaps, the PBKS team management can give all-rounder Rishi Dhawan a chance. If Dhawan can take care of a few overs in the powerplay, the duo of Arshdeep Singh and Kagiso Rabada can bowl more overs at the death for the team in the next match.
