Punjab Kings fans, you must have had your heart pumping this season – and not just from all the close finishes. From action-packed knocks by uncapped Indian superstars to some clever tactics employed, PBKS have provided nothing but entertainment this season. But now that the playoffs are getting closer, there is a significant question bubbling away – what will happen when Marco Jansen leaves us for WTC duties? Jansen is one of the best weapons, and he is like the glue that holds Punjab together with the ball. While they may be deep, taking Jansen away will be just one piece that this puzzle lacks, especially when it counts.
Jansen in the Middle: The Silent Enforcer
Marco Jansen may not have saturated the news every week, but his contributions have been quietly important. He has always been a threat during the middle overs – this crucial time in limited-overs cricket is often where matches make dramatic shifts. His height, awkward bounce, and ability to seam the ball in good conditions have allowed PBKS to wrestle control when they needed it most.
What is even more impressive is that Jansen began working on improving his power-play game just before he stepped away. He was not just holding up one end. He was landing the first blows, starting the wins from the top. Dharamshala helped with the conditions, but still, the confidence he built there might have been applied to other venues.
Can the Indian Core Fill the Void?
Punjab’s biggest flex? Their uncapped Indian players. The likes of Shashank Singh, Rishi Dhawan, and Nehal Wadhera have punched above their weight. Shreyas has been bringing maturity, and youngsters like Praprehansha and Surya, who were taken based on their Mushtaq Ali form, have shown moments of magic.
But replacing a bowler like Jansen is about more than just numbers. It’s about impact.
For example, Harpreet Brar is certainly an option, but he hasn’t been bowling enough this season to be trusted. And while Vyshak or Yash Thakur offer tempo pace, neither can give the same bounce or intimidation factor that Jansen provides. Bartlett and Kyle Jamieson are tucked away as overseas options, but we don’t know if they will be trusted at the business end of things, particularly when Jamieson is still lacking rhythm from injury.
Read Also: IPL 2025: The Race to the Top 4 – Who’s In, Who’s Out, and Who’s Just Hanging On?
Match-Ups Matter: And Jansen Had the Edge
When looking at the last three league fixtures for PBKS – Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, and Delhi Capitals – these were not simply teams selected randomly, these are all teams that have an aggressive batting lineup, especially to moving balls in the powerplay and the death overs.
Jansen’s left-arm angle could have done some damage against their higher-profile players in Rohit Sharma or David Warner, in particular, as these two players do not like that shape when the ball is moving early on! In a must-win match, these types of changes can change the complexion of a game. If PBKS do not select Jansen, they might be setting themselves up for an overly defensive bowling change, depending on spinners or seamers that are too inexperienced, to get the job done in conditions that are conducive to seam and pace.
Also, let’s not discount the fact that spin is less useful with dew on the ground, particularly in evening playoff games. Jansen’s absence could leave Punjab struggling to balance emotions in those exact moments that determine the match.
Sure, the Indian core has fire. But at playoff time, will they miss Jansen’s ice?
That is the million-dollar question.
Can Punjab’s stars become stars enough to cover the shadow that is Jansen? Or will this be the one missing piece to the puzzle that holds them back from going the distance? Let us know.
To catch up on the most current news on all of your favorite thrilling cricket updates, visit Six6slive to access our comprehensive Latest News, insightful analysis, and updates. Connect with the action now to make sure you never miss out!