After Punjab Kings (PBKS) were eliminated from the IPL 2024 following a 60-run defeat to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), assistant coach Brad Haddin admitted that “the missed catches cost his side the match.” Punjab had a tough day on the field on Thursday evening, with three catches in the first five overs, two off Virat Kohli on 0 and 10, and one off Rajat Patidar when he batted on 0. While Kohli scored 92 runs in the match, Patidar scored 55.
After opting to bowl first, Harshal Patel's form with the ball continued as he scalped three big wickets and debutante Vidhwath Kaverappa also managed to take two as RCB posted a huge total of 241/ 7, with Virat Kohli's top score being 92 out of 47.
Chasing 242, Rilee Rossouw hit a 27-ball 61, while Shashank Singh smashed 37 runs in 19 balls. But a flurry of wickets in the middle overs proved costly and Punjab were bowled out for 181. Losing the encounter by 60 runs, the Kings missed the play-offs.
“100 percent we lost the game because of missed catches. If we look through the game, we dropped two guys on a duck, and both scored big runs. That's where the game was lost. There wasn't too much difference in the batting and bowling of both teams. The catches we put up cost us the match,” Haddin said at the post-match presentation ceremony.
After the defeat, PBKS focused on the positives of the season and will hope to end the tournament on a high note with two games remaining.
“It's disappointing. But it shouldn't be a tough job to motivate the boys. This is one of the best competitions in the world. It's a great opportunity to show your skills. Look at Shashank Singh and what he did in the tournament “The players have to see the remaining two games as an opportunity and take what happened personally and find a way to turn the result around and end the season on a good note,” he said
Speaking about Kagiso Rabada's absence from the playing XI, Haddin revealed that the Proteas pacer was not feeling well. “Kagiso Rabada was unwell today, which is why he was not selected for the team,” Haddin said.
Stand-in skipper Sam Curran also spoke at the post-match presentation ceremony and said his side will focus on the positives of the season and continue to work hard.
“There have been a lot of positive signs throughout the season, but unfortunately not enough to get over the line. We knew we had the best side for the rest of the tournament and we feel bad for the team. We have to keep our heads high, stay learn and keep getting better. The ups and downs have been quite tough, but we have to keep learning and keep working hard,” he concluded.
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