Josh Inglis' Disappointing IPL Debut: Bowled Out by Varun Chakravarthy
Josh Inglis, the Australian wicketkeeper-batsman, had a forgettable IPL debut for the Punjab Kings on Tuesday. Facing the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Inglis was dismissed for a paltry two runs off six balls by the enigmatic Varun Chakravarthy. This early dismissal contributed significantly to Punjab Kings' dismal total of 111, their fourth-lowest IPL score ever.
A Promising Start, a Crushing Collapse
The Punjab Kings started brightly, with Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya putting on a quick 33 runs in the first three overs. However, a dramatic collapse ensued, triggered by Harshit Rana's double-wicket over, removing Arya and Shreyas Iyer (a silver duck). Inglis's debut was short-lived, falling victim to Chakravarthy's masterful wrong'un in the fifth over. The ball skidded past his attempted sweep shot, clean bowling the stumps.
Chakravarthy's Dominance and Punjab's Woes
Chakravarthy's performance was exceptional, taking two wickets in total and disrupting the Punjab Kings' batting lineup. His dismissal of Inglis was particularly noteworthy, highlighting the spinner's ability to deceive even experienced batsmen. The Punjab Kings' batting order crumbled under the pressure of KKR's disciplined bowling, with every bowler taking at least one wicket. The innings ended with Punjab Kings bowled out for a measly 111 in just 15.3 overs.
Inglis's IPL Journey Begins
Inglis, acquired for a significant INR 2.60 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, was touted as a promising addition to the Punjab Kings squad. His recent strong performances for Australia had raised high expectations. However, his debut performance serves as a harsh reminder of the challenges faced in the highly competitive IPL. Despite the disappointing start, his IPL journey is only just beginning, providing ample opportunities for a turnaround.
Looking Ahead
The Punjab Kings will need to address their batting frailties to turn their fortunes around in the remaining IPL matches. While Inglis's debut was underwhelming, there's still potential for him to contribute significantly as he gains more experience in the tournament. The match highlighted the potent bowling attack of the Kolkata Knight Riders and the significant impact of Varun Chakravarthy.