IPL 2021: Ashish Nehra questions Punjab Kings’ strategy during the match against Delhi Capitals

Former India cricketer Ashish Nehra slammed Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper KL Rahul’s strategy during match 11 of IPL 2021 against Delhi Capitals (DC). The Delhi-based franchise beat Punjab by six wickets after an outstanding knock from Shikhar Dhawan (92) while chasing a mammoth total of 196. 

Ashish Nehra said that the KL Rahul-led side needs to come with a better strategy when they take the field for their next clash. He also questioned Rahul’s decision of not introducing Riley Meredith into the bowling attack during the first 10 overs.

“See, there are a few things which every player wants to do in this format. You like to bowl well, bat well, field brilliantly. You have good or bad days, it’s a common thing in this game. But there are certain things which are in your control, at least that you can do,” Nehra told Cricbuzz.

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“You didn’t give early overs to your most expensive overseas bowlers. Meredith came after 10 overs and picked the wicket of Steve Smith in his first over. Even Shami bowled four overs in four different spells. You preferred Arshdeep to begin with. So, where will you control the game from – frontend or the backend?” added Nehra.

‘Punjab messed up their bowling plans’: Nehra

The former speedster mentioned that Rahul needs to discuss things with PBKS coach Anil Kumble and come up with a rejigged strategy in the next game. He added that the Punjab-based franchise messed up their bowling plans after starting with four different bowlers at the beginning of the innings.

“If such is the strategy, then even KL shouldn’t open from next time. Either they send Jalaj Saxena, Shami or Shahrukh – whomsoever may they want. So, Rahul, as a captain, needs to think and sit down with Anil Kumble to discuss because they need to come up with a strategy that I didn’t understand today,” said Nehra.

“PBKS messed up their bowling plans. They played four different bowlers to start with. Such things are mostly done by those sides who lack resources. So, I think, that’s the biggest mistake they committed,” he added.

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