Anil Kumble opens up on KL Rahul’s approach in IPL 2021

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), now known as Punjab Kings (PBKS), is a franchise cricket team based in Mohali, Punjab, that competes in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Established in 2008, the team has been known for its passionate fan base and dynamic performances on the field. The franchise is co-owned by prominent personalities, including actress Preity Zinta. Over the years, the team has seen various international and domestic stars, such as Yuvraj Singh, KL Rahul, and Chris Gayle, donning its colors. Despite showing promise and putting up spirited performances, Punjab Kings are yet to clinch an IPL title, often finishing in the mid to lower sections of the points table. Their home matches are played at the PCA Stadium in Mohali, which is known for its lively atmosphere and supportive crowd. The team continues to strive for consistency and success in the highly competitive league.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to bring several exciting changes and developments. Here's what we know so far:

Schedule and Format

Dates: IPL 2025 is expected to run from late March to the end of May, similar to previous years. The opening match is tentatively scheduled for April 3, 2025, at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai​ (SPORTS DANKA)​​ (Sporting News)​.

Format: The tournament will follow the home and away format, featuring the same ten teams from IPL 2024. The total number of matches is likely to increase to 84, with each team playing every other team twice​ (ABP Live)​.

Teams and Key Players

Teams: The ten participating teams are Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, Kolkata Knight Riders, Lucknow Super Giants, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Sunrisers Hyderabad​ (SPORTS DANKA)​​ (ABP Live)​.

Captains: Some of the captains for IPL 2025 include Ruturaj Gaikwad for CSK, Hardik Pandya for Mumbai Indians, and Shikhar Dhawan for Punjab Kings​ (SPORTS DANKA)​. Auction Details: IPL 2025 will feature a mega-auction. Each team will have a limited number of player retentions, and the rest will go back into the auction pool. Discussions are ongoing about the retention rules and the possible reintroduction of the Right to Match (RTM) card​ (Wisden)​​ (myKhel)​. Salary Cap: The salary cap for teams is expected to increase from INR 100 crore to around INR 120 crore, allowing teams to spend more on top players​ (myKhel)​.

Player Retention and RTM: The BCCI and IPL team owners are in discussions about the number of players each team can retain. The RTM card might be reintroduced, allowing teams to buy back their players if they match the highest bid at the auction​ (Wisden)​​ (myKhel)​. Overseas Players: Teams have expressed concerns about overseas players pulling out of the tournament. This issue is likely to be addressed in the upcoming meetings between the BCCI and franchise owners​ (Wisden)​.

Anil Kumble opens up on KL Rahul’s approach in IPL 2021

In a recent interview, Punjab Kings' head coach Anil Kumble discussed KL Rahul's approach during IPL 2021. He clarified that the team never intended for Rahul or any player to adopt a conservative strategy. Kumble emphasized the importance of playing to the natural attacking instincts of players like Mayank Agarwal and Shikhar Dhawan. He mentioned that the team's strategy is to build a squad that fits their aggressive playing style, focusing on long-term investments rather than short-term fixes. This approach aims to achieve the right balance and results in T20 cricket.

Speaking to Hindustan Times in an interview, Anil Kumble said, “No, I don’t think we ever wanted any player to restrain himself. In this format, I don’t think you can take a conservative approach. The natural ability of a Mayank or a Shikhar (Dhawan) is to attack. Even with the rest of the players, I don’t think there will be any approach to curb their natural instincts. That has never been my approach at all,” said Kumble.

“It’s a fresh start for all the 10 franchises. I think the brand of cricket we wanted to play; we have put together that sort of strategy. We are very happy to be able to get those kinds of players who naturally fit into that strategy rather than force somebody into playing that kind of a role. We looked at strategies to help us achieve the right result. Even when we picked the domestic players, we looked at the roles they could play and that clarity is very important in T20s. At the end, you don’t just put together a squad for this year. You invest in a few players who will perhaps be the future,” Anil Kumble concluded.