Punjab Kings are all set to begin their campaign for Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 against Kolkata Knight Riders on April 1 (Saturday) at Punjab Cricket Association Stadium. Punjab Kings finished a disappointing sixth in the previous edition. Punjab Kings, who appointed Trevor Bayliss as their new Head Coach, expects him to turn an inconsistent side into a consistent outfit. World Cup winning coach Bayliss alongside new skipper Shikhar Dhawan eye to shed Punjab Kings’ perennial underachievers tag this season.

The 60-year-old coach from Australia knows a lot about winning, having guided KKR to clinch the IPL trophies in 2012 and 2014. Speaking to PTI, Bayliss confessed that good batting in death overs and taking wickets in the middle overs are the two key areas his players must improve to end their title drought.

One of things the team was lacking last year was not able to finish off innings with the bat. That was one of the reasons why we decided to go after a young all-rounder like Sam Curran. He gives us a strength in the middle-order and he is a world class bowler as well, expressed Bayliss. From the batting point of view, Bayliss wants some of the batters in the top-order to make those 70s or 80s, and that makes things easier for the middle order.

From bowling point of view if you are taking wickets through the middle overs you are very tough to beat. Taking wickets in middle overs is very important, said Bayliss. Bayliss added that he is working to create a pressure-free environment within the team as that is vital for success.