PBKS coach Jaffer vents frustration at bowlers, says team underperformed all season
The Hindu
The former India cricketer’s dissatisfaction with the bowlers’ performance came to the fore following a four-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals in Dharamsala on May 19, which ended PBKS’ slim hopes of making it to the playoffs
Punjab Kings batting coach Wasim Jaffer has been left frustrated with the performance of his bowlers, saying they "didn't live up to the expectations" this IPL season.
The Punjab franchise began their campaign promising a lot but ended up making an early exit, winning just six of the 14 matches they played.
The former India cricketer's dissatisfaction with the bowlers' performance came to the fore following a four-wicket loss to Rajasthan Royals in Dharamsala on Friday, which ended PBKS' slim hopes of making it to the playoffs despite having a potent bowling attack, including Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada and Sam Curran.
"The kind of bowling attack we had, especially the fast bowlers and even spinners, we should have bowled better in certain conditions. We didn't live up to the expectations as a bowling unit," said Jaffer during the post-match press conference.
Jaffer said he had great expectations from the squad PBKS but unfortunately it "underperformed".
"It's a disappointing season, without a doubt. With the kind of squad that we had, I think we needed to be in the top half of the table. I think we have definitely underperformed."
One of the key reasons Jaffer pointed out was the inability of the batters and bowlers to perform as a unit, especially in close games, all through the season.
Asian Games champion Avinash Sable opened his season in the 3000m steeple chase with a silver in the Portland Track Festival, a World Athletics Continental Tour bronze event, in Oregon on Saturday. He clocked 8:21.85s. Asian champion Parul Chaudhary took the bronze in the women’s 3000m steeple chase in a season-best 9:31.38s. Former Asian bronze medallist Sanjivani Jadhav struck gold in the women’s 10,000m in 32:22.77s, a time which was a second off her personal best, while Seema was sixth in 32:55.91s.