IPL 2026: Slower balls did help now and then, but it's all in all a good wicket, says Jansen
Lucknow, May 23
Punjab Kings' left‑arm seam-bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen described Lucknow Super Giants' total of 196/6 as competitive, while noting that while slower balls had some effect, the surface overall at the BRSABV Ekana Cricket Stadium remained good for batting.
"Slower balls did help now and then, but it's all in all a good wicket. Yeah, it felt like the oddball would hold a bit, but the older the ball got, it felt like a decent wicket to bat on. You had to be creative in terms of your change‑ups and stuff like that. Luckily, it's a big field, so as a bowler, you have a lot to play with," Jansen said to broadcasters after the first innings ended.
Jansen, who picked 2-33, admitted he was relieved to finally get back among the wickets. "I am just happy to take a wicket after a long time. Nice feeling to contribute with the ball again for the team. Happy I put in a decent performance," he remarked.
Asked about advice for the batting unit chasing 197, Jansen quipped, "I think I should ask them for advice. No, I think the guys up top know what they have to do; they know what they do best. So let them just go out and have a good crack at it."
The chase of 197 will now test PBKS's batting depth, with the spotlight on their top order to deliver under pressure and keep their playoff chances alive. PBKS had a wonderful first half in the season by winning six of their first seven games, with one clash against KKR washed out due to rain.
But they have been winless in their last six outings and need to win over LSG while hoping for other results to go in their favour to enter the last four stage and set up an Eliminator clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the New PCA Stadium in New Chandigarh on Wednesday.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Honestly, I feel for Jansen. He's been working hard and finally getting wickets is a big relief. But Punjab's batting needs to step up—197 is chaseable but only if the top three take responsibility. No more 'experimenting' with the batting order, please! It's do or die now.
Jansen's comment about being creative with change-ups is exactly what Indian domestic bowlers need to learn. In our local tournaments, everyone just bowls medium pace—no variations. But on a flat track like Ekana, you need to think like Jansen. Big field, use it! Punjab should win but their current form is worrying. 🏏
I don't know why everyone is hyping this match. LSG's 196 is good but not unbeatable. Punjab's real problem is their bowling attack, not batting. Jansen himself went for runs in previous games. One good spell doesn't fix everything. They need to sort out their death bowling or no playoff dream. Just my honest opinion as a die-hard PBKS fan. 🤷
Classic Jansen—humble and focused. I love how he said "I should ask them for advice" about the chase. That's the team spirit we need in Indian cricket. But honestly, PBKS's last six games have been a nightmare. They need to win this and pray for other results. Otherwise, it's another season of 'what could have been'. Bloody typical Punjab! 😤
Jansen's analysis is quite
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