How did Punjab Kings’ fortunes change overseas?


IPL 2023 Winner

Punjab Kings (formerly Kings XI Punjab) experienced notable ups and downs in overseas IPL editions — particularly in 2009 (South Africa) and 2020–2021 (UAE). Here's how their fortunes shifted:

🌍 IPL 2009 – South Africa

  • Performance: Underwhelming. Finished 5th on the table.

  • Issues:

    • Struggled with adapting to pace-friendly pitches.

    • Top order inconsistency — relied heavily on Yuvraj Singh, who didn’t have a standout season.

    • Bowling lacked bite compared to other sides thriving on seam movement.

🏜️ IPL 2020 – UAE

  • Performance: Finished 6th, but had moments of brilliance.

  • Key Highlights:

    • Lost first 6 out of 7 games, but bounced back with 5 consecutive wins — one of the most thrilling streaks of the season.

    • Matches often went to the wire — lost multiple Super Overs and last-over thrillers.

    • KL Rahul was in sublime form and won the Orange Cap.

  • Challenges:

    • Middle-order instability.

    • Over-reliance on KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal.

    • Death bowling woes — cost them several close games.

🏟️ IPL 2021 – UAE (second half)

  • Performance: Again finished 6th.

  • Continued struggles in finishing games — lost several matches from winning positions.

  • Batting lacked firepower in the middle and death overs.

🔍 Summary of Overseas Trends:

Year Country Position Key Traits
2009 South Africa 5th Inconsistent batting, struggled on pacey tracks
2020 UAE 6th Strong top order, poor finishing, death bowling issues
2021 UAE (leg 2) 6th Familiar woes: close-game losses, lack of killer instinct

📌 Verdict:

Punjab Kings showed flashes of brilliance abroad but lacked consistency and composure in pressure situations. They often played entertaining cricket but couldn't close out tight contests — a recurring theme in both India and abroad.

Want to explore their most thrilling matches overseas or how KL Rahul carried the team during UAE editions?