The return of Shahrukh Khan to the team proved to be the game changer for Punjab Kings on Friday, as the muscular batter scored the six that helped his franchise over the line against Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2021 VIVO Indian Premier League. There were plenty of positives for Punjab Kings following that performance, none more important though, from a team management perspective, than seeing all their changes pay off.

Often criticized this season for their selections, the team management this time around deserve a pat on the back for getting their combinations spot on for Friday at the Dubai international Stadium. Punjab Kings made three changes from their previous match, bringing in Fabian Allen, Shahrukh Khan and Mayank Agarwal back into the mix, all of whom had a telling contribution in the final result.

Speaking to the media after, the win Punjab Kings bowling coach Damien Wright revealed that they might just have stumbled onto their ideal team combination for the games to follow.

“I think this is the best, balanced team. Brar (Harpreet) is quite unlucky to be missing out but that’s what can happen to get the balance of the team right,” said Wright while going on to add “I think he’ll still have a huge role to play, we go up against RCB next and he bowled beautifully against them earlier in the year.”

Wright also spoke highly on the inclusion of Ravi Bishnoi and Shahrukh Khan in the team, identifying them as key personnel for the franchise going forward. “I’m really happy for Shahrukh, he showed what power he’s got and we certainly needed that towards the end of the innings. It was a really strong team we put together today,” added the former Australian cricketer.

"I think Ravi (Bishnoi) is an absolute superstar. He's going to be something special for many years to come. He’ll certainly be playing every game in our team"

"He's been the real difference in our bowling attack. He's been able to give us that variation, and not only keep things dry and tight, but he takes wickets too,” added the Punjab Kings bowling coach.