IPL 2020: Gautam Gambhir Explains The Reason Behind Punjab's Success In The Second Half Of The IPL

Gautam Gambhir, former cricketer-turned-politician, has opined on what has been the reason behind Kings XI Punjab’s turnaround this season. Punjab who won just 1 match in their first seven matches is now on a four game winning streak, ahead of their clash against Kolkata Knight Riders.

The KL Rahul-led outfit flattered to deceive in the first half even though they had some of the marquee T20 players in their side. However, the team is now on a resurgence road as their bowling attack thrashed Sunrisers Hyderabad by defending a low score of 126.

Three options in death is a luxury. for any captain: Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir feels that the inclusion of Arshdeep Singh into the eleven has done wonders for Punjab. Arshdeep has impressed everyone with his accuracy while bowling length balls and clever slower balls.

Gambhir believes KL Rahul will be relieved to have three pacers -Arshdeep Singh, Mohammed Shami and Chris Jordan- whom he can give the ball in the death overs. Gambhir outlined the lack of proper death bowling options as a reason for Punjab’s failure in the first 7 games.

Talking to ESPNCricinfo, Gautam Gambhir said, “The best thing is that KL Rahul now has three fast bowlers to whom he can give the ball to in the death overs – Mohammed Shami, Chris Jordan, and Arshdeep Singh.”

“If you look at the first seven games for KXIP, KL Rahul had to search whom to give the overs to in the death overs. Now he has three options. When any captain has three options in the death – it is a luxury.”

Gautam Gambhir reaped praises for youngster Arshdeep Singh. He said that having never played international cricket and being a domestic bowler, the left-arm pacer has done exceedingly well to outfox the batters. The former India cricketer also said that Arshdeep has helped change the structure of the entire team.

“The credit for this I would like to give to Arshdeep Singh. Because Mohammed Shami and Chris Jordan are both international bowlers. But Arshdeep is a young, domestic cricketer and he has bowled well in the death overs. It has helped in changing the structure and compensation of the entire team since Arshdeep has been in the playing XI,” he added.

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