IPL 2018: Kings XI Punjab Co-owner Preity Zinta Involved in a Verbal Spat With Virender Sehwag - Reports

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) co-owner Preity Zinta and director-cum-mentor Virender Sehwag reportedly got in a verbal spat post their recent loss to Rajasthan Royals (RR), who are currently languishing at the bottom half of the Indian Premier League’s (IPL) points table.

Meanwhile, this is Punjab’s third loss in five games and this agitated Preity, who has backed his team from time-to-time.

According to Mumbai Mirror, she questioned the tactics used by the team and blamed Sehwag for the loss.

“Against Rajasthan Royals, skipper Ravichandran Ashwin was sent in at number three, ahead of more accomplished batsmen such as Karun Nair and Manoj Tiwari.The move backfired as Ashwin fell for a duck, and Preity launched into Sehwag for the decision,” a source told the newspaper [Mirror].

However, Sehwag tried to defuse the situation but Zinta continued to blame him. She also accused him of tinkering with the playing XI, which has led to few losses.

Sehwag furious with Zinta –

Meanwhile, such is the fallout that Sehwag can end his long association with the franchise.

The former Indian cricketer also expressed his disgust with Preity interfering in cricketing matters.

“Viru had told the other owners to rein in Preity. He told the owners that he’ll not comment on Preity’s acting chops and she should refrain from talking about his cricketing acumen,” said a franchise source.

Sehwag tried to keep his cool because he did not want the players to lose their focus.

Moreover, Kings XI Punjab is in a crucial state and is in line to qualify for the playoffs.

The mentor was crucial to rope in skipper Ravichandran Ashwin and Chris Gayle at this year’s two-day mega-auction held in Bengaluru on January 27 and 28 respectively. Both of them have been stunning so far in this league.

“But as far as I know, there is no problem. I have spoken to Viru and Preity,” Co-owner Mohit Burman, who was not present at the venue during the incident said.

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