IPL 2018: Preity Zinta, Virender Sehwag in reported war of words, Kings XI Punjab deny

There has reportedly been a fall-out between Kings XI Punjab co-owner Preity Zinta and mentor Virender Sehwag following the franchise’s recent loss against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2018.

Kings XI Punjab might be a happy lot sitting on the third spot of the IPL 2018 table and almost on the brink of a play-off spot, but not all is well inside the camp. (IPL 2018 full coverage)

There has reportedly been a fall-out between Kings XI Punjab co-owner Preity Zinta (L) and mentor Virender Sehwag following the franchise’s recent loss against Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2018. (BCCI)

Reports have emerged suggesting that there has been a fall-out between co-owner Preity Zinta and mentor Virender Sehwag, following the franchise’s recent loss against Rajasthan Royals.

According to a report of Mumbai Mirror, Sehwag could even part ways with the franchise at the end of the season owing to the fall-out.

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It further claimed that after the side failed to chase Royals’ meagre target of 159 in the last game, the Bollywood actress had approached Sehwag even before the players made their way back to the team dug-out.

“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,” Mirror quoted a source as saying.

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“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,” the report added.

Kings XI Punjab have 12 points in their kitty from 10 games so far and two wins in their last four games should see them sail through to the last-four stage.

However, Kings XI Punjab have denied the allegations. “This is in response to the media articles that have been published in the last couple of days on the supposed disagreement which was reported after Kings XI’s last game. The stories have led to a lot of speculation and we at Kings XI Punjab would like to clearly state that as part of our management process, (as well as other franchisees) we review our performance on and off the field after each game through both, formal and informal discussions,” the team said in a statement.

“This is part of our standard operations review process which helps us to analyse our results and allow us to focus on the improvement required after each game, both on and off the field so that we can continue to improve in all aspects. The culture in Kings XI is one that is open and non-hierarchical, and is one which encourages open and frank debate by one and all across all levels with the common goal of continuous improvement.”