Kings XI are regarded as one of the underachieving franchises in the IPL, having never won the tournament. However, Virender Sehwag, as the Kings XI team’s mentor, played a key role in the auctions, roping in Ashwin and Chris Gayle, making the team front strong enough to grab the trophy of IPL 2018!
With the team performing well at IPL 2018, there were hopes of Kings XI winning the trophy this year! But, the past three matches have turned the game upside down! Kings XI Punjab has lost three from the last four matches and this has spoilt the team’s statistics up the score board!
This has also led to an ugly spat between the team’s mentor Sehwag and co-owner Preity Zinta! Reports say that Preity approached Sehwag even before the players had retired to the change rooms after the match and questioned him about the ‘tactics’ used during the game.
“Against Rajasthan Royals, skipper Ravichandran Ashwin was sent in at number three, ahead of more accomplished batsmen such as Karun Nair and Manoj Tiwari. The move backfired as Ashwin fell for a duck, and Preity launched into Sehwag for the decision,” as quoted from a source. He added, ” Sehwag initially played it cool. However, when Preity continued to blame him, saying ‘unnecessary’ tinkering with the playing XI had led to a spate of defeats, Sehwag tried to reason with her. “
“Sehwag had told the other owners to rein in Preity. He told the owners that he’ll not comment on Preity’s acting chops and she should refrain from talking about his cricketing acumen,” a franchise source said.
This correspondent called up Sehwag, who did not respond. Preity too did not respond to calls and messages. Co-owner Mohit Burman said he was not present at the venue. “But as far as I know, there is no problem. I have spoken to Viru and Preity,” he said.
Sehwag’s five-year association with the franchise, jointly owned by Preity, Ness Wadia, and businessman Mohit Burman, could end with this season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2018).
