11 games into their 2021 VIVO Indian Premier League season, Punjab Kings find themselves in the chasing pack on the points table. KL Rahul’s have got four wins so far, and now need to win all their remaining games to stand a chance of qualifying for the playoffs.
The task ahead remains stiff for Punjab Kings, but the mood in the camp remains optimistic considering they have been playing relatively well despite not having enough results to show for it this season.
“I think we can only go up from here, It’s a back to the wall situation again where we have to win all three remaining games,” said Wasim Jaffer in an exclusive interview after the defeat to Mumbai Indians on Tuesday.
“We have to look at the positives and back ourselves to do it. We need to take one game at a time, Kolkata Knight Riders are playing well at the moment, but we need to bring our A-game on that day,” added Jaffer.
Jaffer’s words were also echoed by Punjab Kings skipper KL Rahul, who believes there is still plenty to play for this season for his franchise. “The next three games will be interesting for us as the table looks interesting. It is what it is, we haven't been able to handle the pressure. We'll learn more if we play more together as a team,” said Rahul in the post match interview after Tuesday’s game.
The 29-year-old also expressed that playing with the right intent and playing without fear could be the answer to Punjab Kings’ longevity in the competition. “We need to be positive. We have three games, so we need to take one game at a time. We need to go out there and enjoy ourselves. All our games in the UAE have gone down to the wire, hopefully we can build on that,” added Rahul.
Last season, Punjab Kings went on a run of five consecutive wins in the IPL, almost making it through to the playoffs. This time around, the team is in a better position needing just three out of three. Their road to their revival now starts on Friday, when they clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Dubai International Stadium.