KKR vs PBKS: 'Harshal Patel has leaked runs...' - Punjab Kings coach makes huge statement

Punjab Kings (PBKS) bowling coach Charl Langeveldt expressed disappointment over the team's loss against the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Charl Langeveldt stated that they will treat the remaining matches in the ongoing tournament like knockout matches.

The Punjab Kings suffered a 3-wicket loss to the Gujarat Titans at the Mullanpur Stadium in Chandigarh on Sunday, April 21. The home team managed to score a low total of 142 runs in the allotted 20 overs. They failed to defend the total as the Titans reached the target with five balls to spare.

Players Are Hurt As Well As The Staff - Charl Langeveldt

Charl Langeveldt acknowledged the team's character with the ball despite defending a low target. Langeveldt emphasized the need for the middle order to contribute more runs. Talking about Harshal Patel, he said that the right-arm pacer has been bowling well and he works hard in the nets.

"Disappointing. Players are hurt as well as the staff and the fans," Langeveldt said at the post-match press conference. 

"We showed a lot of character with the ball. We had a good powerplay with the bat for the first time in three games, but in the middle period, their spinners were too quality for our batters, and we struggled. We just need the middle order upfront to get more runs. We were probably 20 runs short on that wicket."

"(On Harshal Patel) He's bowled well the whole season. It's just one or two overs in the beginning where he leaked a few runs. His slower balls are coming out nicely. He's a hard worker. He works out on his skill set and he has improved."

Prabhsimran Singh and Sam Curran added 52 runs in 5.3 overs. Mohit Sharma broke the stand by dismissing Prabhsimran, who scored 35 runs off 21 balls, including three fours and as many sixes. Prabhsimran's wicket halted Punjab's momentum as they were reduced to 99/7 in 15.2 overs.

Harpreet Brar scored 29 runs off 12 balls, including four boundaries and a six. However, his cameo ended with a good catch by Shahrukh Khan near the boundary. R Sai Kishore picked up four wickets for 33 runs, while Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmed took one and two wickets, respectively.

We Take Every Game Like A Semi-Final, Final - Charl Langeveldt

Charl Langeveldt stated that the team wanted to include Rahul Chahar in the squad but opted for an extra batter after the collapse. Langeveldt said that the team will approach every game as a semi-final or final.

"It was the idea, we could have another spinner [Rahul] Chahar to play in, but obviously, when you're batting and you've had a collapse like that, it's better to get the runs on board," Langeveldt said.

"That's something we want to improve, get more runs on the board. We are going to travel now and we are going to play on better batting wickets and that would give the batters a bit more confidence going into the last few games. We take every game like a semi-final, final but yeah, it's one of those things."

The Punjab Kings are currently in ninth place in the 10-team table, having won two matches out of eight. The team will take on the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in their next game at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Friday, April 26.

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