IPL 2021: 3 reasons why Punjab Kings could be the ‘Dark Horses’ for the title
Punjab Kings (PK) will be looking to lift their maiden IPL title this year. After spending a lot of money in the IPL auction for the upcoming season. Just a few months before IPL 2021, Kings XI Punjab rebranded themselves as the Punjab Kings. The team retained its star players and support staff but changed its name, logo, and jersey before the 14th IPL season to start an afresh journey to end its title drought in the IPL. Despite being a part of the IPL since 2008, Punjab has never won the championship.
However, this year, the possibility of their title win is higher than ever. Here’s a look at three reasons why the Punjab Kings will start as the favorites to win IPL 2021
1. Balanced bowling attack:
They have added a lot of depth in their pace bowling department bringing in Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith. The two Aussies can crank up to high speeds and could form the much-needed partnership with Mohammad Shami. Meanwhile, One of the positives for the Punjab Kings in the IPL 2020 was their spin duo of leg spinners Murugan Ashwin and Ravi Bishnoi who did exceedingly well. They picked a lot of wickets in the middle overs and their economy rate was also very impressive.
2. Excellent opening pair:
In the last season, Punjab Kings had an extraordinary opening pair with the likes of KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. Both of them had a brilliant season and provided many blistering starts for the team last season. This duo also recorded the highest partnership in the IPL 2020. If Punjab gets a similar start this year, then the path to the playoffs will become much easier for them.
3. Destructive finishers:
Punjab Kings have brought in the services of Nicholas Pooran, who is one of the best talents going around in the T20 format and he can provide clinical hitting. Along with Pooran Punjab Kings bagged Shahrukh Khan, who is also a fearsome finisher in the domestic circuit. If they stay till the end, Punjab will fancy their chances of winning matches and ultimately aim for their maiden IPL trophy.