Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper KL Rahul is looking forward to IPL 2021 with fresh faces in the squad. While talking to the in-house media of PBKS, Rahul confirmed that the entire squad could start training outdoors from Friday. Some of the overseas players such as Riley Meredith are in quarantine, but they are expected to be available for the first game against Rajasthan Royals on April 12.
All those who were waiting to 👂🏻 him out, here he is! 💁#SaddaPunjab #PubjabKings #IPL2021 #CaptainPunjab @klrahul11 pic.twitter.com/vIMywZHyQv
— Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) April 8, 2021
Rahul has been impressed with preparations for the new campaign until now. Punjab Kings will be having a completely new look this season including new name. They splurged cash on numerous players to bolster the squad and parted ways with their previous star player-Glenn Maxwell.
Punjab Kings had a disappointing IPL 2020 as they missed out a place in the playoffs by just two points. With the new players in the squad, PBKS will be hoping to have a fast start and set the tone for the campaign. PBKS was good in the second half of IPL 2020, but the poor first half cost them a place in the knockout round. Having consistency in performances will be key for achieving targets of this season.
KL Rahul looking for fourth top-scoring season in a row
KL Rahul has been the leading scorer for PBKS in the last three seasons. He scored over 650 runs with six half-centuries during IPL 2020. He had a superb 2019 season, where he even got his maiden IPL ton and ended the campaign with an impressive average of 53.90.
Rahul’s strike rate often fell below par his usual standards during IPL 2020, but he anchored the innings brilliantly for PBKS. However, Rahul could be seen in a much more attacking role this season as per the team’s batting coach Wasim Jaffer. If Rahul manages to find the right balance in caution and aggression, then he will definitely have a fourth consecutive season with 500+ runs.