Like many other truisms, the idea of a homecoming is gratingly glorified. But for Kings XI Punjab, it could provide solace in a time of difficulty.
After a dalliance with Pune, George Bailey’s side will grace its actual home when it meets Sunrisers Hyderabad on Monday.
Having finished last season as runner-up, many expected KXIP to breach the final barrier this time. However, the side has returned to a mediocrity that had been its hallmark before its resurgence in 2014. The resources at KXIP’s disposal give room for optimism but the recovery can’t be delayed further.
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With two wins out of six and the worst net run rate in the league, Bailey’s team will hope the PCA Stadium can be turned into a fortress for the four matches it will play here. Compare this season’s numbers with those from the previous campaign and the difference is painful, if you’re invested in KXIP.
The franchise began with five straight wins and lost only thrice in the 2014 league stage. KXIP achieved a score above 190 no less than eight times last season; this term, it has been done just once. Even on that occasion, Rajasthan Royals was beaten only in the Super Over.
KXIP’s latest batting failure arrived on Sunday when it managed only 95 against Chennai Super Kings. It was fairly obvious last season that the Punjab franchise’s biggest strength rested in its batsmen. While not entirely indicative of its troubles, the decision to drop Glenn Maxwell from the side for the match against CSK carried a certain resonance. KXIP’s biggest stars have failed to repeat last year’s heroics.
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For SRH, the trouble lies with the batting as well but in a different form. The side is heavily dependent on its openers Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner as its middle order lacks the necessary gifts to excel in Twenty20 cricket.
The defeat to Mumbai Indians on Saturday was a near-perfect summation of SRH’s problems.
The Indo-Australian pair gave a good start to their side by scoring 45 in 29 balls before they were dismissed in successive overs. What followed was abysmal as SRH eventually finished 20 runs short of MI’s 157.
It’s no surprise to note that SRH’s five fifties this season have been shared between Warner and Dhawan. The franchise expected Kane Williamson or Eoin Morgan to hold the innings together if the openers failed but neither delivered adequately.
In fact, against MI, SRH chose to select both Dale Steyn and Trent Boult in the eleven and hoped that it would chase a reasonable total. The hope was realised but the outcome was negative.
Just like last season, SRH has won only two out of its first six matches. While it will hope that a better future awaits this year, KXIP will seek a return to the good old days.