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South Africa and Punjab Kings (PBKS) seamer Marco Jansen has revealed his role as the first-change bowler in the IPL 2026. The left-arm seamer revealed that his role as first-change bowler is not because the management believes he cannot bowl in the first 1-2 overs. Instead, Jansen believes he brings other qualities.
How did Marco Jansen play for the Punjab Kings?
The Proteas player was part of Mumbai Indians and SunRisers Hyderabad but didn’t get too many chances and was dropped by Punjab Kings for ₹7 crore ahead of IPL 2025. The left-armer was instrumental in the Punjab Kings’ run to the final last year, picking up 16 scalps in 14 games at 27.13. He performed decently in IPL 2026, bagging five wickets in six deliveries.
Jansen, who is often known for taking the new ball, when asked if it was difficult to adapt as a first change bowler, said he had no concerns as Arshdeep Singh and Xavier Bartlett swing the ball more consistently. At the same time, the 25-year-old claimed that he has full confidence that his skills will be effective at every stage of the competition. He said this in response to the Sunday Guardian in a round table discussion.
“I’m used to taking the first over or the second over, but I also know that I have the skills to adapt to any situation or any particular point in the game to come in and do the job for the team. Of course, someone who is a swing bowler and is used to bowling with the new ball also has a weapon in their hand. So coming in on the 3rd, 4th or 5th over is definitely a different approach that I had to take. It is It’s not like I’m not doing the job or I’m not doing the job.” I can’t take wickets or think the gun will be taken away from me. The opposite is true because Arshdeep and Xavier can swing the ball more smoothly than when I do. At the same time, I also realize that I have other attributes and skills that I bring to the bowling unit.”
Jansen claimed that he is unfazed when Shreyas Iyer bowls him the ball as every bowler can make an impact.
“As a bowling unit, everyone knows there is a plan and a reason. It’s not a case that they don’t think I can’t do a good job. The first or second over of the new ball, it depends on how well we bowl as a unit. Yuzi bowls in the middle, Shashank doesn’t bowl in the first few games but takes two in the first over of his season. I think it’s a nice place to be as a bowler, a player and as a bowling unit.” We know that it doesn’t matter where we bowl or where Shreyas decides to bowl a particular bowler. We know there is a reason for this and we believe whoever has the ball in their hands, be it in the power play, in the middle overs or at death, will do the best job for the team.”
How did the Punjab Kings perform in IPL 2026?
Although it is still early days, the Punjab Kings appear to be a contender for a playoff spot as they are yet to lose a single game in six outings. They have won five, with the sixth victory resulting in a defeat due to rain at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Their next match will be against Delhi Capitals on April 25, Saturday at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
