‘Worst thing PBKS batters can do now is blink and jump at shadows’

Punjab Kings' Batters Must Avoid Self-Doubt After Crushing Defeat

Punjab Kings' batting coach James Hopes believes the worst thing his batters can do now is blink and start jumping at shadows and second-guessing themselves. This comes after a dismal performance in the first qualifier, where they were bowled out for 101.

Hopes emphasized that the team doesn't need to go back to the drawing board, despite the heavy metal approach backfiring. He remains optimistic about meeting Royal Challengers Bengaluru again in the final on Tuesday night.

The Punjab Kings' procession on the night started with Priyansh Arya finding the cover fielder in the second over off Yash Dayal. A couple of poor shot selections ended Prabhsimran Singh and Shreyas, before Josh Inglis fell to Josh Hazlewood's hard length.

Hopes acknowledged that the team didn't have a great night with the bat but is looking forward to the two-day turnaround to play another final. He believes that historically, Ahmedabad is a good pitch, and they know they'll have to score quite quickly.

The coach remains steadfast in his belief that counter-attacking, even against the best bowlers and plans, has brought the team this far. However, he conceded that recalibration should've been better timed against RCB.

PBKS will face the winner of the Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians on Sunday in Ahmedabad.