Captaincy troubles again for Pune Warriors

With five captains in three seasons, Pune Warriors have not found an established leader in their ranks. And with the poor showing in the current season of the T20 league, they might have to rethink their leadership strategies yet again, reports Firoz Mirza.

With five captains in three seasons, Pune Warriors have not found an established leader in their ranks. And with the poor showing in the current season of the T20 league, they might have to rethink their leadership strategies yet again.

The team threw away an almost certain victory against the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Wednesday, failing to chase a modest target of 120.

Even though the middle-order collapsed, skipper Angelo Mathews' presence in the middle had tilted the game in the home team's favour. But the Sri Lanka skipper failed to live up to expectations, gifting his wicket away that eventually cost Pune the game.

Unhappy return
After sitting out of the previous match against Chennai Super Kings due to the bar on Sri Lanka players in Chennai, Mathews returned at the expense of Ross Taylor, who had led the side to an upset win in Chennai.

However, the return did little good. The regrettable performance has intensified the debate over Mathews' place in the team.

Mathews was also disappointed by his show so far. "In a couple of innings in the tournament, I really had the opportunity but didn't go on. I am disappointed, especially on this wicket, not to bat in the last two overs.

"I got out at the wrong time. I could have stayed till the end. Some of the shots were not required," he summed up.

However, Mathews justified his decision to keep Taylor out of the team. The New Zealand batsman was excluded to make way for the previous game's hero Steven Smith, he said.

The defeat could have further implications on the side, and more importantly on Mathews, who does not seem to have time or luck on his side.