GT vs PBKS: Imran Tahir Wants Jonny Bairstow To Open The Innings For Punjab Kings

Imran Tahir has said that he would like to see explosive England batsman Jonny Bairstow open the innings for Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 so that the team can utilise the powerplay.

GT vs PBKS Dream11 Prediction

Punjab Kings will lock horns with Gujarat Titans in the 48th match of the Indian Premier League 2022 at the DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai on Tuesday, May 3.

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Speaking on ESPN Cricinfo’s Timeout, Tahir said that PBKS skipper Mayank has struggled for runs in the cash-rich league but he is just one good innings away from regaining his form. He said:

“Mayank Agarwal is a consistent player, but we have seen several players struggling for runs this year. However, I think Mayank must back himself, take more time at the crease, and play positively so that he regains his form. I think he is one knock away from that and if he clicks in those crucial games, his form can come back.”

He added that Punjab Kings should open with Bairstow to make fuller utilisation of powerplay. He asserted:

“I would like to see Jonny Bairstow open because he is dangerous during the powerplay. He played some good knocks in the Mzansi Super League in the powerplay and deserves to open the innings.”

If we remove Shikhar Dhawan, no other batter has shown consistency – Imran Tahir

Former Chennai Super Kings leg-spinner said that only opening batsman Dhawan has been consistently delivering good performances for Punjab Kings and other than him no batter has shown consistency. He said:

“If we remove Shikhar Dhawan, no other batter has shown consistency. Hence, it is a concern for the Punjab Kings as they cannot rely on any other batter during challenging situations. Other batters need to step up and play positively. If not, Shikhar Dhawan has to take responsibility and play a big knock and carry the team’s fortunes.”

While talking about star pacer Rabada, Tahir said that he has been bowling well but has failed to bag many wickets because teams come with a game plan against the champion Proteas pacer. He said:

“Kagiso Rabada has proved numerous times that he is a match-winning bowler and is known for taking wickets. I feel he is bowling well, but he is not getting as many wickets as he would like. While Arshdeep is doing decently, Rabada has the responsibility and Punjab signed him so that he performs as he did in the past 2-3 seasons.

I think every season is different and teams plan differently. Hence, they likely have plans against Rabada due to which he hasn’t been much successful. I still feel he is bowling well.”

Also Read: Gujarat Titans vs Punjab Kings Dream11 Prediction, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Dream11 Team, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update- Tata IPL 2022

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