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'Not Sure Who...,' PBKS Coach Reveals Biggest Dilemma Before IPL Opener Against GT

Soumyajit Dutta

Punjab Kings face opening dilemma [Source: @PbksOfficial/X]Punjab Kings face opening dilemma [Source: @PbksOfficial/X]

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As the Punjab Kings prepare to kick off their IPL 2025 campaign against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, questions linger over their opening partnership. Despite a rigorous pre-season camp in Dharamsala and a revamped squad, the franchise remains undecided on its starting duo. 

The Titans’ menacing pace attack, featuring Kagiso Rabada and Mohammed Siraj, adds pressure to an already critical decision for Punjab’s think tank. Nevertheless, the team’s management has expressed confidence in the squad’s depth and adaptability.

Dilemma Doubles Down As The Clock Ticks

Emphasising a fearless brand of cricket, Punjab aims to leverage its mix of seasoned internationals and dynamic Indian talent. With fresh leadership and strategic flexibility at its core, the franchise is eager to shed its underachiever tag and chase its maiden IPL title.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference, Haddin acknowledged the challenge of finalising the ideal opening combination. 

"We are not sure who opens yet. We have got guys like Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis who have done it well in the past as well. So we have to make sure that we get the right combination," Haddin stated, hinting at multiple possibilities.

Despite the uncertainty, Haddin remained optimistic about the team’s readiness and the talent the fresh faces possess.

"I think the key focus for us since we've got here is to get our players ready for the season. We had a good camp in Dharamsala, where we got to know a lot of our Indian players, and we're very excited about the talent we have. They're very athletic, they're going to be a brave, brave cricket team," he added.

Highlighting the squad’s versatility, Haddin stressed the importance of situational awareness. He further added that they wanted to ensure the players played brave cricket and adapted to the situation in front of them. Haddin mentioned that it was a new group with players in every position who could adjust to different roles. 

Haddin Praises Shreyas' Leadership!

Praising Shreyas Iyer’s leadership, Haddin credited the captain for fostering unity among the players as well as the staff.

"The culture is driven from our leaders. We have a very driven captain in Shreyas Iyer who has had a lot of success in this format. He has brought everyone together. The staff is on the same page as the players. We are a really tight group, but it's been led by the standards and the habits that the captain sets."

Well, it's only a few hours time till we see Shreyas Iyer leading his new team. Now it awaits one question, will Iyer repeat his previous year's heroics with the new team or will the Kings suffer another trophy-less year?