Even though Punjab Kings have had a good spell in the ongoing IPL season with Shreyas Iyer leading the team, they are experiencing growing pressures in terms of player availability. The team is comfortably placed on the points table but yet to shake off the loss of key players to injuries. Head coach Ricky Ponting has raised a curious hindrance—the simultaneous scheduling of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), claiming that it is restricting the availability of good foreign cover for the side.
Ponting stressed that though Punjab still searches for newer talent, both local and foreign, time has been a constraint for reinforcements to be able to reach them. As the PSL attracts many foreign players, Punjab directed its attention to potential Indian candidates training under the team.
Injuries Affected Punjab Kings' Squad Depth
Punjab Kings started the season well but injury issues have put an end to their intentions of playing a settled squad. Fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is the first player who was compelled to quit the tournament because of a ripped thigh muscle. A finger fracture while preparing for a match against Chennai Super Kings sidelined all-rounder Glenn Maxwell recently for the remainder of the season.
Despite these key absences, the team has yet to name official replacements. The timing of the PSL, which is currently underway, is making it difficult for Punjab to source experienced overseas players as potential stand-ins.
Ricky Ponting: 'We’re Being Patient With Replacements
Coach Ricky Ponting clarified the issue, saying the franchise is patient in searching for options. "The Maxwell injury has just occurred and Ferguson has been out for quite some time. Still, the PSL clashing with the IPL has implications for the participation of foreign players," Ponting said.
He further added that some of the foreign players who would otherwise be available for mid-season signings are already signed with PSL franchises. Hence, Punjab Kings have shifted their focus to nurturing the local talent. Players in team training sessions are being monitored and could be signed up within the week.
Punjab Kings Shift Focus to Developing Indian Emerging Talent
With few links to overseas fill-ins, Punjab Kings have already started looking out for some of the next Indian stars on the fringes of the training camp. Ponting unveiled some of them tried with the first team at Chennai and would also accompany them to Dharamsala for further grading.
The coaching team hopes to bring some new blood into the team. The players can be offered a full contract in a week or two depending on their performances and preparation. The move comes in accordance with the franchise's master plan of building a well-balanced team with both national depth and foreign depth.
Upcoming game: Punjab vs Lucknow on May 4
With the side scheduled to play its next game against Lucknow Super Giants at Dharamsala on May 4, depth in the team continues to be a pressing issue. In spite of the injuries and roster limitations, Punjab Kings continue to go strong. They have 13 points from 10 games, putting them strongly in contention for a playoff position.
Ponting wishes that a combination of young players and experienced players will assist Punjab in maintaining its rhythm. The remaining part of the tournament will be tested as much as the team's endurance and strength under pressure are concerned.
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