Why Will Punjab Kings Lose In IPL 2024?

Jonny Bairstow for Punjab Kings (X.com)Jonny Bairstow for Punjab Kings (X.com)

Punjab Kings have been the perennial underachievers in IPL and in the 16 editions so far, they have reached playoffs/semifinals only twice. Now, as we approach the 17th season of the biggest festival in Indian cricket, Punjab Kings and their fans would be hoping that their team finally gets the act together and come up with a rare successful season.

It would not be an easy task though as rest of the 9 teams also pack a punch, and the Shikhar Dhawan-led unit might just end up falling on the wrong side of the points table yet again. So, what could be those factors that will pull them down this season. Let's find out.


One-Dimensional Batting Approach

Punjab Kings have plenty of power-hitters in their line-up and if they all fire in unison, they could post some big totals on the board. However, the same strength might let to their undoing like it did in the last season. 

Apart from Shikhar Dhawan, all other batters like Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Prabhsimran Singh play in a same tempo and there is hardly anyone in the middle order who can play an anchor role if the wicket is difficult to bat or if they lose quick wickets upfront.


Knee-Jerk Reaction Kings

Punjab Kings have been very poor in managing their resources over the years. A settled mindset has been missing in the PBKS management. They not only make changes after every season but also make plenty of changes in their XI if they lose one or two matches. 

In the last season, they kept on making changes, despite some impressive wins. One classic example of it was the exclusion of Sikandar Raza, after he delivered match-winning performances against LSG & CSK.


A long Uncherished Saga Of Failures

As mentioned before, Punjab Kings have just not been able to do justice to their loyal fans over the years. The 2014 season was a once in a blue moon campaign as they dominated that whole edition and made it to the final. Other than that, they tend to blow hot and cold in every season, and always end up mediocre returns.

This losing mindset and the baggage of not playing good cricket consistently over the last decade or so, might again end up haunting them. They say, winning is a habit and so is losing and they would have to shed that habit if they want to succeed this season. 

In the last season, Shikhar Dhawan did not show enough faith in his gun death bowlers after they went for plenty in few matches and took decisions like bowling Harpreet Brar in the death, which proved way too costly. 

 So, if Shikhar Dhawan and company fail to show patience and tactical nous again this season, the story of failures is likely to continue in IPL 2024 as well.