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Hyderabad, April 13 | PBKS vs SRH: Punjab Kings (PBKS) might have lit up the first innings with a 245-run blitz, but they were left stunned as Sunrisers Hyderabad chased it down in 18.3 overs, led by Abhishek Sharma’s historic 141. Despite posting one of their highest-ever totals, PBKS lost by 8 wickets – and with that, key flaws in their game came into sharp focus.
Here’s a breakdown of what went wrong for PBKS and what they need to fix if they hope to stay competitive in IPL 2025.
What Went Wrong for PBKS
1. No Control in the Powerplay
SRH were 76/0 at the end of the powerplay, having already dismantled the PBKS new-ball attack. The bowlers offered:
- Too much width to both Head and Abhishek
- Predictable length deliveries on a true surface
- No variation in pace or cutters despite dry conditions
With no swing on offer, Punjab’s pacers failed to go full or into the pitch early. The lack of discipline allowed SRH to score freely and get ahead of the asking rate.
2. PBKS Vs SRH – Bowling Strategy Lacked Flexibility
While 245 is a defendable total in most conditions, PBKS stuck to a static plan:
- Yash Thakur overstepped and missed a key wicket opportunity (Abhishek on 32)
- Arshdeep Singh, their most experienced death bowler, was introduced late
- No overs were held back for matchups — Chahal was underbowled despite dismissing Head
Bowling 8 overs of pace between the 13th and 18th overs, against two set left-handers, was a tactical miscalculation.
3. Poor Field Placements and Dropped Opportunities
- There was no sweeper cover early on despite Abhishek targeting the leg-side repeatedly
- At least two chances were misjudged at long-on and deep midwicket
- Body language dipped once SRH crossed 200, even though they had two wickets in hand
For a team defending such a massive total, energy in the field matters, and PBKS looked flat in the crucial final phase.
What PBKS Must Do Next
1. Rethink Death Bowling Roles
Harshal Patel was decent, but they need:
- Arshdeep to bowl more than 1 over at the death
- A second specialist who can handle overs 16–20 with yorkers and slower balls
- Consider bringing in Rahul Chahar or a death-over specialist from the bench
2. Trust and Use Chahal Better
Yuzvendra Chahal is a match-winner. Bowling him just 2 overs when the run rate was over 12 made little tactical sense. PBKS should:
- Bowl Chahal earlier (overs 6–10)
- Give him full quota to break partnerships rather than contain
3. Improve Match-Up Planning
With left-handers like Head, Abhishek, Klaasen, and Kishan, PBKS should’ve brought in an off-spinner (e.g., Shashank Singh or Liam Livingstone, if available) or used Stoinis more intelligently.
Final Word
Despite a power-packed batting lineup, Punjab Kings are being undone by tactical rigidity and bowling inconsistency. Posting 245 and still losing with 9 balls to spare is a wake-up call.
What next? PBKS need to:
- Tighten up their death bowling
- Optimize Chahal’s usage
- Treat each game situationally, not by pre-decided bowling plans
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