Experienced Supporter: Dhawan leads the training session of Punjab Kings. , Photo Credit: RV Murthy
Similar is the situation and jitters with Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders and it will be a nerve-wracking battle when the two teams face off in their first IPL match at the IS Bindra Stadium here on Saturday.
With both sides going through an overhaul with new captains, new backroom staff and forced changes due to injuries, the similarities are striking. However, both the teams are looking to start the season on a high note. The Kings have been perennial underachievers and their record against the Knight Riders hasn’t been great either.
no holds barred
Last season, the Kings played a high-risk, no-holds-barred attacking batting line-up without the desired results.
This season will see the Kings play games practically under the leadership of coach Trevor Bayliss. “We’ll try to keep things as simple as possible and not make it complicated,” Bayliss said.
Nitish Rana has shown warmth to his captaincy role. The Delhi batsman said that Shreyas Iyer’s absence is a big blow and the team has regrouped under Chandrakant Pandit.
“IPL is like a marathon but the first match sets the trend and we want to win,” Rana said.
Teams abandoned practice due to inclement weather and forecasts of more rain could be a dampener.