\u201cThat was our first real under-pressure run. We were below where we needed to be, where we have been operating and training, but there\u2019s a lot of pressure on bowling units, especially in good conditions,\u201d said the Kiwi.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat was the first game on our home ground. It looks like a good wicket, so we\u2019re going to have to be a lot better defensively because some of the batting is of high quality and it\u2019s aggressive, and if they have a (good) day, it\u2019s very difficult.<\/p>\n
Fleming, however, threw his weight behind the players the franchise had recruited ahead of the season.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a difficult task, but I think we\u2019ve got some really good talent,\u201d Fleming said. \u201cThere are five or six new players that have started this season, but we think they are of high value moving forward with their performances this year. We\u2019re certainly confident in our bowling attack.\u201d<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Punjab Kings vice-captain Shashank Singh said he was delighted to set the tone for the season early on after the 2025 runner-up moved to the top of the table after two matches.<\/p>\n
![\"Shashank](\"https:\/\/ss-i.thgim.com\/public\/incoming\/2oqsif\/article70822281.ece\/alternates\/FREE_1200\/DSC_1048.JPG\" "\\"Shashank")
<\/p>\n\n | Photo Credit:
\n R. Ragu\n <\/p>\n
![\"lightbox-info\"\/](\"https:\/\/assetsss.thehindu.com\/theme\/images\/SSRX\/lightbox-info.svg\")
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Shashank Singh also showered praise on Player-of-the-Match Priyansh Arya, who helped PBKS stay on the front foot with an 11-ball 39.
\n | Photo Credit:
\n R. Ragu\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all about momentum. The first match we won against Gujarat (Titans), that wasn\u2019t that convincing for us,\u201d said Shashank. \u201cBut this match was very important for us because this was an away venue against CSK, one of the top sides. So obviously the momentum was important, plus the away venue.\u201d<\/p>\n
He also showered praise on Player-of-the-Match Priyansh Arya, who helped PBKS stay on the front foot with an 11-ball 39.<\/p>\n
\u201cLast year, when he came, technique was another issue, but we know with IPL, the second season is the most important season because the teams do find the weaknesses in you. But with Priyansh, what we as a team really liked last year is that he\u2019s mentally very tough,\u201d Shashank added.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s very young, but the way he\u2019s matured regarding his batting is fabulous.<\/p>\n
And I think he\u2019ll do well for sure.<\/p>\n
\u201cI mean, if you see his batting, he\u2019s quite compact, he hits the ball well, he tries to win it, he doesn\u2019t try to overhit. So all those things which are required, especially by openers, I think he has.\u201d<\/p>\n
Published on Apr 04, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n