PBKS vs KKR, IPL 2021– PBKS Playing XI: Their three-match losing streak finally over, Punjab Kings would seek to build a winning momentum when they face the struggling Kolkata Knight Riders in an IPL match in Ahmedabad on Monday. The KL Rahul-led side is unlikely to make any changes to its playing XI but will it rejig its batting line-up to suit the conditions? One of the biggest headache for Punjab is misfiring Nicholas Pooran, which has made turned him into a liability. Also, Chris Gayle’s struggle at No.3 is exposing PBKS’ middle-order too soon. So, is Gayle ‘The Opener’ a better option for PBKS Playing XI?
PBKS vs KKR in IPL 2021: Gayle at No.3 vs Gayle ‘The Opener’ – Who is better?
Ideally an opener, Punjab brought in Gayle at number 3 last season, with Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul’s opening combination wreaking havoc. While the move certainly boosted PBKS’ batters’ confidence, the Jamaican star could not play his natural game.
The T20 star throughout his IPL career has opened the batting for various teams. His exploits as an opener are well known, and still, instil fear in the heart of the opposition. Gayle does not like running much, and he substantiates his lack of running between the wickets by hitting big. The fact that he has the most number of IPL sixes, bears testament to his hard-hitting skills.
Playing at No.3, forces him to restrict his hard-hitting prowess, and build play instead. While he has not been a complete failure in his new role, scoring 40, 10, 11 and 15, its not his natural style of play. Batting in power-play gives Gayle an extra edge over the bowler as he could take advantage of the field restrictions.
PBKS vs KKR in IPL 2021: Who will play at No.3, if Chris Gayle opens?
Agarwal can play the No.3 role for PBKS. The 30-year-old right-handed batsman is one of the best when it comes to anchoring the innings. If Punjab promote Gayle as Rahul’s new opening partner, Agarwal will fit perfectly as a backup for the duo. It would also give a free hand to the likes of Dawid Malan and Deepak Hooda to play their hard-hitting game.
Former Indian batsman Gambhir during Star Sports show said that if Gayle is playing in PBKS XI he should be opening the batting and not play at No.3.”I think there is no comparison, Chris Gayle in T20 cricket in comparison to Dawid Malan. Yes, he might be the No. 1 T20 cricketer in the world but you got to look at the conditions as well. If you’ve got to make him bat at No. 3, he’s going to struggle at Chepauk. And Chris Gayle again, we’ve been seeing match after match, season after season, that if he is in the Playing XI, he should be opening the batting.”
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While the option is tempting, Punjab, however, is unlikely to disturb its opening combination for now.
PBKS vs KKR in IPL 2021: One change in PBKS Playing XI
With a new venue, Punjab is likely to make just one change to its playing XI. The team management will think of bringing world No.1 T20I batsman Malan in PBKS playing XI and bench struggling Pooran.
PBKS vs KKR in IPL 2021: PBKS XI (Probable)
KL Rahul (c & wk), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Dawid Malan, Deepak Hooda, Moises Henriques, Shahrukh Khan, Fabian Allen, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh