IPL 2024: 3 changes Punjab Kings should make to get back to winning ways

Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow. (Photo Source: IPL)

Punjab Kings hosted the five-time winners, Mumbai Indians in Mullanpur, Chandigarh. The hosts won the toss and opted to bowl first in the hope of utilizing the dew factor in the second innings of the match. Mumbai Indians were able to post a fighting total of 192/7 in their 20 overs on the back of Suryakumar Yadav’s 78 along with valuable innings from Tilak Varma and Rohit Sharma. 

In reply, Punjab Kings lost four wickets inside three overs, which put them on the back foot straight away. Gerald Coetzee and Jasprit Bumrah were lethal in the powerplay as they got two wickets apiece in their first two overs. After the powerplay, Shreyas Gopal scalped the wicket of Harpreet Bhatia by taking an amazing return catch. After a great fight from Ashutosh Sharma, Harpreet Brar and Shashank Singh, the match got intense. But in the end, Mumbai Indians were able to get away with a nine-run margin, bagging their third win on the IPL 2024 Points Table.

Here are the three changes that Punjab Kings should make ahead of their next game:

3. Play Sikandar Raza instead of Liam Livingstone

PBKS are expected to step in with some changes in the upcoming tie against GT. And one of the changes can potentially be to replace Liam Livingstone with all-rounder Sikandar Raza. Despite decent performances in his five matches for the franchise so far in this edition of the Indian Premier League, the star all-rounder has not been able to produce anything spectacular.

Raza, on the other hand, can be drafted into the side as he would be a good balance to the side. The Zimbabwean international is known to take the match deep and can bat in crucial situations of the game. His bowling also causes a lot of trouble to the batters and can be utilized to take wickets during the middle overs. This can turn out to be a great change for the franchise.

2. Try Atharva Taide for Prabhsimran Singh

Despite playing seven games in the tournament, Punjab Kings have still not been able to fix their batting order. When Atharva Taide came on in the last game, it felt like he would be given a long run in the team, but it was not the case to be as the Akola-born was dropped from the starting XI against MI.

There are now serious concerns about the form of Prabhsimran Singh, as the batter has not been able to string any great performances for the side. In his seven innings, he has only amassed 119 runs, with a high score of just 35. It may be time for the Kings to give the southpaw an opportunity once again and this time back him for a good amount of games.

1. Bring in Rahul Chahar

Rahul Chahar was one of the biggest finds of the Indian Premier League, when he burst onto the scene during his initial years. Along with the Mumbai Indians, he was able to win two back-to-back titles in 2019 and 2020. However, since joining the Punjab Kings, he has not been able to replicate the same form. He had a great first year but has been struggling for the past two years.

With Punjab Kings struggling to scalp wickets in the middle overs, it might be time to utilize the services of the leg-spinner. Even if the bowler concedes a few extra runs, he has the ability to break big partnerships and can turn out to be a match-winner for his franchise. This move can hopefully change the fortunes of for Punjab as they are desperate to return to winning ways.