IPL 2022: Despite possessing one of the power-packed line-ups, Punjab Kings flattered to deceive once again, finishing 6th in the 10-team table. There were plenty of positives for PBKS but lack of consistency hurt them.
4 seasons and as many 6th-placed finishes for Punjab Kings. The former finalists ended their IPL 2022 season on a winning note and leapfrogged Kolkata Knight Riders to the sixth spot in the league table but they finished another campaign with the feeling of ‘what could have been’, again.
Punjab Kings were out of the race for the playoffs before even they played their final league game on Sunday, May 22.
Despite losing their consistent scorer and captain KL Rahul before the mega auction, PBKS managed to assemble a strong side on paper. Filled with power-hitters and a more-than-decent bowling attack, it looked like PBKS would end their long wait for a berth in the playoffs. However, under Mayank Agarwal, PBKS flattered to deceive, once again.
After beginning their season with a thumping win over their familiar foes, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Punjab Kings struggled for consistency throughout the season. In fact, PBKS were the only team to finish the season without winning two matches on the trot in the new season.
COACH KUMBLE FLOUNDERS AGAIN
Head coach Anil Kumble will certainly be under pressure as PBKS failed to get going despite hitting the reboot button. Kumble has worked with 3 different captains at PBKS — R Ashwin, Rahul and Mayank – but the playoffs berth remains elusive.
PBKS have always fiddled with their combinations and come up with inexplicable batting order shuffling in the IPL. After having spent big on Odean Smith, the big-hitting West Indies all-rounder was not backed enough. Smith played just 6 matches in the season.