After many, many years of disappointing cricket, the Punjab franchise finally thinks they have the right combination to lift their first Indian T20 League trophy in 16 years. They did play the finals and were one of the favourites to lift the trophy in 2014, but the Gautam Gambhir-led Kolkata side completely stunned them with a record chase of 200 runs in 20 overs. Since then, the team has changed multiple captains and coaches but never came close to lifting the prestigious trophy. However, with people now in charge, there’s a sense of joy in the air as fans are currently buzzing with the latest announcements.
Veteran opener Shikhar Dhawan has been appointed as the new captain of the side with Mayank Agarwal reported being leaving. Anil Kumble, who was the Head Coach of the side has parted ways with the franchise with Trevor Bayliss replacing him. The 59-year-old has vast experience in the field as he helped Kolkata win two trophies in the past and also was the coach of the England team when the Three Lions won the ODI World Championship in 2019.
Thus, the management is very excited about new people in charge as Punjab co-owner Ness Wadia expects the team to qualify for the playoffs first and then win their maiden title.
“The expectation from them is to take us to top four and then hopefully win the Cup. Dhawan and Trevor’s rich experience and knowledge should help us. It is a good combination. Trevor comes with a good track record with England and in the Indian T20 League. With all their experience combined, we are hoping it will culminate into results that Punjab need and deserve,” Wadia said a month before the Indian T20 League auction.
Not frustrating, it is a lot of learning: Wadia on Punjab’s performance over the years
The 51-year-old also spoke on Punjab’s performance over the years. Despite them not winning a single trophy, Wadia revealed that it is not frustrating but a learning lesson for them. He also spoke that the team needs to be more consistent in order to come close to the trophy.
“It is not frustrating (the team’s below par performances). It is a lot of learning. We have been millimetres away in the past and it involves little bit of luck as well and that has not gone our way in recent times. Consistency plays a big role. We surely need to be more consistent.,” Wadia said.
“We will try and keep the core group same as much as possible. We have to make sure we do correct analysis of what is required to take the team forward. It is a work in progress,” Wadia said about their plans for the mini-auction.
