IPL 2022 | I don't think they have 'an impact player'- Gavaskar on Punjab Kings

The former Indian batsman Sunil Gavaskar has raised his doubts over the ability of the Punjab Kings to lift the trophy this time ahead of the IPL 2022, which starts from today. During his conversation with Sports Tak, the legendary ex-cricketer stated that the Punjab Kings might not add their maiden IPL title into their trophy cabinet this time, as they lack impactful players who can maintain the consistent cycle of winning for them.

However, Gavaskar believes that the team might benefit from this as there would be no vast expectations associated with its players, enabling them to play with a 'nothing to lose' attitude throughout the tournament. Therefore, the ex-Indian captain reckoned that although the Punjab Kings might surprise some big teams in the mega event, but they won't go the distance.

"Punjab Kings is one of those teams that haven't managed to win the IPL. I don't think they have an impact player in their squad this time," Gavaskar said. "But this can benefit the team as well. When there are very low expectations, there is very less pressure, and when the pressure is less, the players are freer in their approach. 

In this aspect, I think Punjab Kings can surprise a few. Will they win the trophy? I doubt that. See, this is T20 format, and you have to be in that consistent cycle of winning," he further added. 

Punjab Kings bought players like Shikhar Dhawan, Shahrukh Khan, Jonny Bairstow, Liam Livingstone, Odean Smith, Kagiso Rabada, etc., in the IPL mega auction 2022. Further, they have excellent Indian players like Mayank Agarwal, Rahul Chahar and Arshdeep Singh, who can change the course of the match by their extraordinary individual performances. Therefore, Gavaskar's statement of PBKS lacking impact players hasn't been received gleefully by most of the cricket fans. 

Led by Mayank Agarwal, PBKS will kick start its campaign by facing RCB in the 3rd match of the tournament on 27th March.