IPL 2021: Ajit Agarkar Opens Up On Riley Meredith’s Unimpressive Bowling For Punjab Kings

Former Indian cricketer Ajit Agarkar shed light on the reasons why Riley Meredith has not been able to bowl effectively for Punjab Kings in IPL 2021 so far. Riley Meredith was bought for Rs. 8 crores by Punjab Kings during IPL 2021 auction.

Along with Jhye Richardson (Rs. 14 crores), Meredith was among the top buys of Punjab Kings in the auction. Punjab Kings bought both the players after their brilliant bowling show in Big Bash League 2020-21.

However, Riley Meredith has not been able to prove his worth to Punjab Kings in the three matches he played he IPL 2021 so far. The Australian pacer has picked up only 2 wickets at an average of 52.5. He has also been an expensive bowler with an economy of 10.5 per over so far.

IPL is A Very Difficult Tournament, Rile Meredith Bowled Some Quick Bouncers In The Last Game: Ajit Agarkar

While speaking to ESPNCrcinfo, former India pacer Ajit Agarkar revealed why Riley Meredith has not been able to produce his X-factor in bowling in IPL 2021.

“See, they have signed him after paying such a huge amount then there must be some x-factor. It has not come to the fore till now, although he bowled some quick bouncers in the last game. This is the harsh reality of IPL.

“It is a very difficult tournament because you play against world-class players, under immense pressure and wickets are good for batting as well. These are not Australian pitches where the right length is a bit different,” said Ajit Agarkar.

Riley Meredith has been part of the Punjab Kings’ playing XI in all the 3 games so far. In the previous match against Delhi Capitals, Meredith picked up 1 wicket after giving 35 runs in just 2.2 overs. During Punjab Kings’ match against Chennai Super Kings, Riley Meredith remained wicket-less and conceded 21 runs in his 3.4 overs. During Punjab Kings’ first match against Rajasthan Royals, Meredith picked 1 wicket after conceding 49 runs off his 4 overs.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings have lost two matches and won one in IPL 2021 so far. Punjab Kings won their first match against Rajasthan Royals by 4 runs in a close encounter.

The KL Rahul-led side totally lost the plot against Chennai Super Kings and Delhi Capitals, losing the match by 6 wickets in both games. Punjab Kings will lock horns with Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next encounter on April 21.