Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has identified a critical vulnerability in the Punjab Kings’ squad following their high-profile exchange with Mumbai Indians. While the franchise secured Indian T20 star Hardik Pandya to bolster their batting depth, Pathan argues that the departure of pace spearhead Arshdeep Singh leaves a significant void in the bowling attack. The trade, which reshapes the competitive landscape ahead of the upcoming IPL season, has sparked intense debate among cricket analysts regarding the balance of both squads.
Former India all-rounder flags bowling gap after blockbuster Hardik Pandya trade
Pathan took to X to highlight the immediate tactical advantage Punjab gains from Pandya’s arrival, noting that the all-rounder provides a much-needed power-hitting option in the middle and lower order. “With this trade of Hardik, Punjab get a really good middle and lower order power hitter,” Pathan wrote. “Their batting line-up was already strong, but this makes them even stronger in that department.” The addition of Pandya addresses previous concerns about Punjab’s finishing capability, offering a versatile player who can contribute with both bat and ball in crucial overs.
However, the former India captain emphasized that the bowling department remains a “real concern” for the Kings. Pathan explicitly stated that Punjab “not only need to find a replacement for Arshdeep Singh but also need to invest in a good spinner going forward.” This assessment underscores the immediate pressure on Punjab’s management to address their pace and spin resources, ensuring they do not become over-reliant on their strengthened batting lineup while neglecting the defensive aspects of the game.
Source: Yahoo Sports
