Punjab Kings (PBKS) are a bit wounded after they got hammered by DC on 24th May 2025 in their last fixture. PBKS‘ bowling unit couldn’t defend the target of 207 runs as the novice Sameer Rizvi played a knock for ages 58 runs in 25 balls (3 fours and 5 sixes). Sameer Rizvi came as a surprise package given Tristan Stubbs (*18 runs in 14 balls) was quite happy to take a backseat as Sameer Rizvi was on a beast mode.
Strategy for PBKS to beat MI
The match is in Jaipur on 26th May. We have witnessed the surface is quite batting friendly and dew will also be there. PBKS’ openers Prabhsimran Singh & Priyansh Arya need to take some time before unleashing attack on MI bowlers. Against DC, Priaynsh Arya was dismissed cheaply & at No.3 position Josh Inglis played a nasty cameo of 32 runs in 12 balls (*3 fours and 2 sixes) but couldn’t convert that start.
MI bowlers comprising of Trent Boult & Jasprit Bumrah go for wickets for every ball they bowl which can inflict a dangerous collapse for PBKS. It would sound a bit odd but PBKS need to frustrate MI bowlers by not playing rash shots or too many back to back boundaries. MI have got back not only the winning spirit but dominating spirit one & they are proving to be ruthless. 6 match winning streak, Rohit Sharma’s resurgence, GT heart-break, Suryakumar Yadav’s first POTM award, there are ‘n’ such instances where MI have produced match winners against all odds.
Steep road ahead for PBKS
PBKS need to bring back Yuzvendra Chahal in the playing 11, as of no there’s no official reason why he didn’t play against DC. It’s a do or die game for PBKS & MI as top 2 finish in points table gives enormous advantage in playoffs. If we look at the rivalry of MI & PBKS, it has been very intense with MI winning 17 matches & PBKS 15.
It won’t be wrong to say that the upcoming clash is a bit like David vs Goliath even when PBKS have 17 points from 13 matches & MI 16 points from 13 matches.
There’s a slight similarity though between MI & PBKS which is in the form of PBKS head coach Ricky Ponting who earlier had a stint with MI in 2015 & 2016. We often somewhat ignore the importance of a head coach in cricket unless that head coach has won IPL trophy or ICC tournament. Under Ponting’s rein, MI had won 2015 edition
Shreyas Iyer & Ricky Ponting have reunited twice after being in DC and now in PBKS. The team has been transformed significantly under the duo who has shown a never to say die attitude. The match of KKR vs PBKS was heart-stopping but PBKS pulled off a heist against the run of play.
It’s somewhat crystal clear, if PBKS want to beat MI then every batter specifically needs to get off to a brisk start if they are batting first. This match can be a career defining one for Shreyas Iyer after the richest board blatantly ignored him for England Tests. Shreyas Iyer though alone can’t win this match and the most probably biggest player to play ‘X’ factor for PBKS could be Nehal Wadhera or Marcus Stoinis who can clobber the ball and hit massive sixes.
Also Read:Â MI vs PBKS: MI & PBKS Tussle For A Top 2 Finish