Former India cricketer Ravichandran Ashwin said the Punjab Kings opening pair must overcome a targeted body-line bowling approach to improve their IPL 2026 performance.
The struggle of the openers has become a critical vulnerability for Punjab Kings. As opposing teams exploit specific technical weaknesses, the team has faced consistent losses that jeopardize their standing in the tournament.
Speaking on May 7 [3], Ashwin said the opening pair has faced recent sub-par performances. He said the players need to find answers for the aggressive bowling strategies being used against them. The spin bowler said the duo can bounce back despite the current hiccups in the season [1].
These technical struggles were evident in recent matchups. In one such contest, Sunrisers Hyderabad defeated Punjab Kings by 33 runs [1]. The loss further distanced Punjab Kings from the top of the table, while Sunrisers Hyderabad moved to 14 points from 11 games [1].
Ashwin's analysis highlights a trend where opponents are utilizing a specific "body-line" strategy—bowling tight, aimed at the batter's body—to stifle scoring and force errors. This tactical approach has hampered the PBKS openers, preventing them from providing the necessary fast starts required in the T20 format [2].
The former all-rounder said the ability to adapt to these targeted attacks is the primary hurdle for the players. He said the openers have the capability to recover their form if they can adjust their footwork, and shot selection to counter the short-pitched bowling [1].
“The opening pair must overcome a targeted body-line bowling approach.”
The focus on a 'body-line' strategy suggests that opposing analysts have identified a specific technical flaw in the Punjab Kings' opening partnership. For PBKS to remain competitive in the IPL 2026 season, the openers must shift from a reactive to a proactive approach against short-pitched bowling to prevent the middle order from facing excessive pressure early in the innings.
