RR vs PBKS: "This is why they haven't been successful" - Mitchell McClenaghan blasts Punjab Kings for dropping Kagiso Rabada

Former New Zealand pacer Mitchell McClenaghan criticized the Punjab Kings' (PBKS) decision to drop Kagiso Rabada during the match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Mitchell McClenaghan stated that this is why the Punjab Kings haven't been successful in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Kagiso Rabada was not included in the Punjab Kings' playing XI during their 60-run loss at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Thursday, May 9. All-rounder Liam Livingstone replaced Kagiso Rabada in the team, but he failed to make an impact with both bat and ball.

Rabada has had a decent season with PBKS, making an impact in all phases of the game. He has secured 11 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 33.81 with an economy rate of 8.85. He is currently the fourth-highest wicket-taker for the Punjab Kings, behind Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, and Sam Curran.

They're Knee Jerking - Mitchell McClenaghan

Speaking on ESPNcricinfo, Mitchell McClenaghan highlighted that the Punjab Kings tend to make knee-jerk reactions after one poor performance. McClenaghan emphasized the need for a more balanced and measured approach from team management.

"They're knee-jerking after the last game's results, where they capitulated. They're just an absolute knee-jerk reaction. This is why they haven't been successful as a franchise historically because they have one bad outing with the bat and they decide to rejig their whole side," McCleneghan said.

Dropping KG: 'This is why Punjab haven't been successful' #TimeOut #PBKSvRCB #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/F2W8FfRvgf

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 10, 2024

Don't Need To Spend Extra Time - Mitchell McClenaghan

Mitchell McClenaghan stated that the Punjab Kings spent more on fixing mistakes, which led to diminishing success in the long term. The former Mumbai Indians pacer emphasized the importance of moving on quickly without focusing too much on failure after a bad game.

"As a management, as a coaching staff, and as an ownership group, this is where you need to go. This happens sometimes. Sometimes you have a bad game, and you've got to move on. You don't need to spend extra time on trying to figure out why it failed and fix it."

"You just got to brush it under the doormat and actually move on. And the more time you spend on trying to fix it with the kind of the way that looks like they've overanalyzed it, the less success you're going to have long term," McCleneghan added.

RCB lost the wickets of Faf du Plessis (9) and Will Jacks (12) after being asked to bat first. However, Kohli and Rajat Patidar (55 off 23) added a 76-run partnership for the third wicket. Kohli then added a 92-run stand with all-rounder Cameron Green, who scored 46 runs off 27 balls, for the fourth wicket.

Virat Kohli scored 92 runs off 47 balls with the help of seven boundaries and six maximums. The visiting team posted a formidable total of 241 runs in 20 overs. Harshal Patel picked up three wickets for 38 runs, while debutant Vidhwath Kaverappa took two wickets for 36 runs in his four-over quota.

Swapnil Singh provided an early breakthrough for his team by dismissing Prabhsimran Singh (6) in the first over. Jonny Bairstow and Rilee Rossouw added a 65-run partnership for the second wicket. However, the Punjab team lost wickets in regular intervals and was bowled out for 181 runs in 17 overs.

Also read: KKR vs MI: Hardik Pandya attacked by AB de Villers for Mumbai's downfall; labeled Ego Driven