IPL 9: Mitchell Johnson reveals why he wasn't up to mark in first few matches for Kings XI Punjab

While Johnson was picked by Punjab to terrorise batsmen with his fearsome pace, figures of 1/35, 0/28 and 1/43 in three matches tell a different story.

New Delhi: While he was a nightmare for the best of batsmen during his international career, Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson is yet to make an impact in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2016.

Johnson, who retired from international cricket last year, is warming the bench for Punjab ever since he was dropped after three matches.

While he was picked by the owners to terrorise batsmen with his fearsome pace, figures of 1/35, 0/28 and 1/43 in three matches tell a different story.

Speaking to cricket.com.au, the 34-year-old said he wasn't settled in for the first two weeks coming into the tournament.

“It took two weeks to get the real desire,” Johnson said.

“I thought I had it, I felt really good with the ball in my hand, but I probably wasn’t quite there until two weeks into the tournament.”

But the speedster said that he was now itching to play and was also bowling at his best to his team-mates in the nets.

"I didn't really get into the contest at the start of this tournament.

That's where I've noticed a difference two weeks in, I've got into the contest in the nets, just need to get out there and play," he said.

Kings XI Punjab, who were the IPL runners-up in 2014, ended up at the bottom last year. Even in 2016, the team has failed to click as a unit and is languishing at the bottom yet again.