On Thursday afternoon, the Punjab Kings were defeated by Royal Challengers Bangalore by a score of 24 runs in their 2023 Indian Premier League match. The RCB posted a competitive total of 174/4 in 20 overs after being invited to bat by PBKS’ stand-in skipper Sam Curran; their openers Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis posted a 137-run stand for the opening wicket. In response, the Kings were bowled out for 150 with ten deliveries remaining.
The Kings were reduced to 43/4 inside the powerplay after a top and middle-order collapse; the poor batting performance forced bowling all-rounder Curran to bat early in the innings. The other batter, Prabhsimran Singh, scored the majority of the runs in a partnership with Curran that appeared to bring some stability to the PBKS’ run-chase; however, the side’s stand-in skipper gave his wicket away rather cheaply in the 10th over.
Curran’s wicket was cost by sloppy running, and the bowling all-rounder was unhappy as he walked back to the dressing room. Former India opener Virender Sehwag, who has previously worked with Punjab Kings as both a player and a coach, slammed Curran for his sloppy running between the wickets.
“He’s a world-class player.” However, the experience cannot be purchased for 18 crores. “It only comes when you play, when your hair turns white as you play in the hot sun,” Sehwag explained to Cricbuzz.
“We believe he will win you matches simply because he was purchased for 18 crores.” But he hasn’t had that kind of experience yet. There was no need for that kind of running. You should have stayed and tried to take it to the final overs, captain. But, once again, his lack of experience cost him,” Sehwag added.
In the absence of Shikhar Dhawan, who is currently injured, Curran led the Punjab Kings. Dhawan had missed the team’s last two games, one of which was against the Lucknow SuperGiants, but Curran stated at the toss against RCB that the star opener is getting closer to full fitness.
