He’s a more versatile bowler

Former Australian captain Aaron Finch reckons that Punjab Kings (PBKS) must recall bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen for the must-win IPL 2026 clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). According to Finch, PBKS need to revert to what worked best for them at the start of the season, adding that Jansen’s inclusion will add versatility to the bowling and also strengthen the batting.

PBKS will face LSG in a must-win IPL 2026 contest at Ekana Cricket Stadium on Saturday, May 23. Having lost six matches in a row, Shreyas Iyer and co. need to beat LSG to stay alive in the playoffs race.

During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo Timeout, Finch urged PBKS to return to the formula that brought them success at the start of the season. Backing Jansen to make a comeback, he commented:

“I think you have to go back to what was in your best planning at the start of the season. For me, that’s Marco Jansen, especially going to the Ekana Stadium, where it’s not a 200-plus scoring venue generally. I think what he provides is a bit more versatility in the attack. He’s got the left-arm that can swing it up front if they decide to go that way.

“There are quite a few right-handers at the top – Inglis, Marsh and Markram. He can bowl cutters into the surface, going across the right-handers. He’s a more versatile bowler and adds a little bit of batting as well,” Finch added.

In 12 matches in IPL 2026, Jansen has claimed seven wickets at an economy rate of 10.38. With the bat, he has contributed 51 runs at a strike rate of 113.33.

“Best bet is asking bowlers to bowl full and straight” – Ambati Rayudu on PBKS’ bowling strategy

Former India batter Ambati Rayudu feels that PBKS’ bowling has gone off the boil because they are looking to be a bit too defensive. Rayudu suggested that the bowlers must look to bowl full and straight, without having the point fielder back. The former CSK star opined:

“I think the best bet is asking your bowlers to bowl full and straight, and not have the point fielder back. Punjab have been making a mistake at the start of the innings. If you look at Arshdeep, Jansen and Bartlett, they’re very good at swinging the ball and bowling it full. But once you give a cushion of a point that is back, they’re slightly bowling short. But that is actually taking out the attack option.”

A win against LSG on Saturday might not be enough for PBKS to secure a berth in the top four. RR will reach 16 points if they win their last match against MI, while PBKS cannot go past 15 points.

Edited by Renin Wilben Albert