Punjab Kings to kickstart IPL home season today against Rajasthan Royals

Carrying a different vibe this year, Punjab Kings lads look confident to start their Indian Premier League (IPL) home season with nothing less than a win against Rajasthan Royals on April 5 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Punjab Cricket Association (PCA) International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur. Undefeated so far, the Kings are seriously putting all they have to improve their home record, which was just one win in the previous edition of the event here.

“What’s gone is gone, we are at a different level this year. With a new team, we are playing like a real group and the response from the team is excellent. We still have many hidden talents, who will be used at the right time,” said Sunil Joshi, Punjab Kings spin bowling coach. When asked ‘what’s different’ the team is enjoying this year, the former Indian spinner said that wins always matters.

“With the new coaching groups, things are quite nicely placed in our camp. Ricky (Ponting) brought a lot of experience to the side, and everyone knows what he aims for. He is the best in it, and we are likely to have a great home season,” he added. The coach also appreciated the Punjab players, who are on fire in this edition of the event. “Home games are always important to win. However, the way our Punjab players are playing…they are surely going to enjoy it here. Arshdeep Singh and Prabhsimran Singh, who have played in the same grounds, have already proved their worth.

They have matured with time. In addition, our skipper is leading from the front, and another lad Nehal Wadhera along with Shashank Singh have stood up to challenges. So, things are pretty much fine with the squad,” added Joshi.

Samson to lead the Royals

Rajasthan Royals, struggling at one above bottom position, will see Sanju Samson’s return to the leadership in Mullanpur. However, for Rajasthan Royals to thrive, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel must find form together, while the burly Shimron Hetmyer’s power-hitting at the death could prove crucial. “It was a bit frustrating to sit in the dug-out and see my friends and young brothers fighting for a win. It’s great to be back and I am really looking forward to it,” said Samson.

He further added, “It’s a new season and a new challenge. Captaining a side, opening and wicket-keeping is quite challenging. Every IPL brings a new challenge, and I am trying to adapt to this situation.” For the Royals, it will be a match where they need to out-bat the opposition, keeping in mind that their bowling resources aren’t exactly intimidating for any opposition. An attack comprising Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Sandeep Sharma, Wanindu Hasaranga and Tushar Deshpande is decent on most days and good on some. “See, toss plays an important role and since Punjab is playing their first home game, the crowd will be behind them. We are prepared for the opponents. To win the game, we have to score more runs…that’s my mantra. Both teams play on the same pitch, but one has to play smarter,” smiled the skipper.

Coming to Jaiswal, the skipper said that the youngsters would be back to form in no time. “He is practising very hard, he is spending more time on the nets. IPL is a platform, which demands quick play and you sometimes lose wickets. He is trying his best to play his natural game, and whenever he will click…it will be a win for us,” added Samson.

Chandigarh