The Glenn Maxwell-led side managed only 73 runs having put into bat. The four foreign batsmen Martin Guptill, Eoin Morgan, Shaun Marsh and Maxwell collectively scored four runs. Guptill and Maxwell failed to score a single run in the crucial match.

Kings XI’s director of cricket operations Virender Sehwag ripped apart the overseas players in his post-match press conference.

“I’m very disappointed. I can say that none of the foreign players took responsibility and at least played 12 to 15 overs. Their role was at least one of the top four should bat for 12 to 15 overs, but none of the batsmen took the responsibility,” said Sehwag.

“I think they were complaining that the wicket was a bit slow but when you play international cricket so much, you should get used to playing on difficult or good wickets. There are very rare occasions when you get a good wicket to bat on but whatever wicket you get, you have to play at least 20 overs for your side. But Maxwell, Shaun Marsh, Guptill and Morgan [were all disappointing].”

Sehwag was unhappy with the team’s middle-order in particular which managed only eight runs. The franchise’s batting lineup only managed 31 runs in total and all six batsmen were dismissed inside the first 10 overs.  

“Guptill’s role was to cash in during the Powerplay and [the other opener] Wriddhiman Saha’s was to just bat around with him. So I don’t mind him getting out on the first or second ball as long as he knows what he’s doing. There’s no point blaming him; I should rather blame the other batsmen.”

The former Indian cricketer was upset with the foreign players’ ability to adapt to the conditions. 

“Even Marsh, his role was to play till 10-12 overs, but the way he got out was disappointing and then Maxwell and Morgan, these are the experienced players… I mean the players who got out had been informing the next batsman that it’s a slow wicket and even then if you throw away wickets, it means that you’re not up for the game.”

Sehwag minced no words while talking about Maxwell’s performance as Punjab’s skipper and as a batsman. Maxwell failed to score a single fifty this season and managed only 310 runs in 14 matches. 

“We always knew that when Maxwell fires, then he can win the match on his own. But he didn’t fire in eight or nine games. That is a big disappointment, especially since he’s experienced, having played for Australia’s Test and ODI teams. He didn’t take the responsibility as a captain and didn’t perform for Kings XI Punjab.”