PBKS Vs RR: Punjab Kings lost to Rajasthan Royals by 2 runs. Punjab Kings coach Anil Kumble is extremely disappointed with the defeat. Anil Kumble has admitted that losing matches by a close margin has become a pattern with Punjab Kings.
Punjab Kings had almost won the match against Rajasthan Royals. They needed just 4 runs in the last over and had 8 wickets in hand. Kartik Tyagi dismissed Nicholas Pooran and Deepak Hooda and gave just one run to pull off an incredible victory for Rajasthan Royals.
Punjab Kings had aimed to win the match in 19 overs. Kumble said, "Yes, it’s become a bit of pattern for us especially as soon as we get to Dubai. The approach was clear, we needed to finish it in 19 overs. That was the approach, to not let it go till the end."
Kumble praises Tyagi
Kumble has admitted that taking the match to the last over cost Punjab Kings dearly. "Unfortunately, when you leave it to the last couple of balls, it becomes a lottery", the coach said.
The former leg-spinner, however, also praised Tyagi. Anil Kumble said, "The way Tyagi bowled final over, the credit goes to him. It was pretty clear he was going to bowl wide outside off, and somehow our batsmen didn't take the right options.''
Losing the match against Rajasthan Royals may become a huge burden on the Punjab Kings team. Punjab Kings has won just 3 of the 9 matches. Punjab Kings will have to win the remaining 5 matches to stay in the playoff race.