We are happy with our batting order: Punjab Kings assistant coach
Punjab Kings’ assistant coach Brad Haddin batted for his side securing the top spot in the IPL points’ table after tomorrow’s game against Delhi Capitals in Jaipur.
Haddin expressed strong confidence in his team’s batting unit and outlined the team’s strategic goals for the remainder of the tournament.
He was effusive in his praise for the team’s batting performance throughout the tournament and also denied any change in skipper Shreyas Iyer’s batting order, which played down the order in the previous game against Rajasthan Royals.
“Our top order has been outstanding. Our captain has been great at number 3. We have seen Shashank and Omar (Omarzai) on a number of occasions. When they have been needed, they have come out and played really well. Shashank has got a couple of 50s and Omar has also done the same. At this stage of the tournament, we are happy with all our batters,” said Haddin.
Addressing the captain’s recent absence from his usual batting position in the previous match, Haddin clarified, “It was due to the circumstances the other day. It was a brave effort to actually take the field with his finger injury. But he still played the role and actually ran around the boundary in the second half of the game. But yeah, he will go back to his normal position at number 3. He has been outstanding, not only as a batter, but as a leader throughout the whole tournament.”
Mitchell Owen, who joined the Kings as a replacement for Lockie Ferguson, made his debut for the team in the last game. Though he could not do well with bat in the match, the assistant coach showed immense faith in him and was positive on his comeback in the coming matches.
Assuring that Marsh was now well-prepared for the conditions, Haddin said, “I think the one thing Mitch brings is just sheer brute power. He has had over a week now to get used to what he is going to get. He understands the conditions now. He is talking a lot to our Indian batsmen and the coaching staff. So expect Mitch to play the way we want him to play.”
Despite having qualified, Haddin stressed that the team was committed to continuous improvement, staying consistent in their performances and achieving clear objectives.
“It is good from outside that we have qualified, but we spoke to the group some time ago about playing the game the way we want to play and we have got some clear goals where we want to reach at the end. And I think you are going to see that in the next couple of games,” he further stated.
He went on to concludedby expressing satisfaction with the team’s current squad depth, which allows the coaching and selection staff to try out different combinations as per the situations.
Lauding the team, he further said, “I think at the moment we have got the luxury to go with a couple of different combinations. And what I am liking at the moment is that all players are hungry to play and get out on the field. Training is ultra-competitive and that is where you want your team to be at this stage.”
Chandigarh