Punjab Kings’ spin-bowling coach Sunil Joshi has said that playing in front of the home crowd at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali is a massive motivating factor for all the players in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Shikhar Dhawan-led Punjab Kings made their much-awaited return to its home ground in Mohali after a gap of almost four years. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the franchise did not get an opportunity to play any IPL matches at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium since 2019.

“It’s important for us to get the home crowd back behind us, and definitely the support that we get at home is an encouraging and motivating factor for all the players,” Sunil Joshi said ahead of their second home game against Gujarat Titans (GT).

The former Indian cricketer further highlighted the areas the Kings’ spinners need to work on in IPL 2023.

“It’s important for our spinners to come back where we belong. We have done well in our home ground. There are certain areas where we need to focus on - spin variations, speed variations, and even the size of the ground,” the 52-year-old stated.

“It’s very hot in Mohali. We have some good memories. It’s our home ground, and we have the home advantage. We want to win (against the Titans),” he added.

Joshi also heaped praise on the Punjab Kings’ dressing room atmosphere in the ongoing IPL.

“I think it’s a great environment. Great, great environment among the players, coaches, the staff and the non-playing staff also. It’s a fabulous team, it’s a fabulous family,” Joshi said.

The Mysore-born cricketer also lauded the performance of reigning IPL champions Gujarat Titans.

“I think Gujarat Titans have done well. We have got to wait and watch. The secrets are always kept for 22 yards. Wait and watch,” the former Indian chief selector added.

Meanwhile, Punjab Kings will aim to bounce back against defending champions Gujarat Titans in their upcoming home match in IPL 2023 on Thursday, April 13.

Both the Kings and the Titans have won two matches and lost one in the ongoing edition of the IPL so far.