Kings vs Knights in playoff battle
Kings XI Punjab can’t afford to slip up in their last three games if they are to keep qualification hopes alive
As Kings XI Punjab took the field for their Indian Premier League (IPL) match against Gujarat Lions on Sunday, the players briefly watched Sunil Narine on their dressing room TV as he guided Kolkata Knight Riders to an easy win against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Narine’s 17-ball 54 demolished the hapless RCB, the win has almost put Kolkata Knight Riders of a playoff berth. However, Kings XI Punjab, who must win all the three remaining matches, now know what’s coming their way on Tuesday night.
The twice former IPL champions have been a force to reckon with this season too with players putting in big performances when the team needed it most.
GAMBHIR, THE LEADER
Leading the way is skipper Gautam Gambhir, who despite being among runs for so long at domestic level and IPL, was overlooked for the Champions Trophy squad.
For Kings XI Punjab, who play their last two matches against Mumbai Indians and Rising Pune Supergiant, the equation for a playoff berth is complicated.
Not only do they need to win all their matches, they also need holders Sunrisers Hyderabad to lose at least one.
LACKING CONSISTENCY
After Kings XI Punjab’s defeat on Sunday against Gujarat Lions, Hashim Amla, who saw his century go in vain for the second time this IPL, was clear about one thing, KXIP must find consistency.
“We all watched a little bit of the KKR match. It happens in Twenty20 cricket. You play attacking cricket and sometime it falls in the gaps.
“We have had some great games so we just need to find consistency and get some runs on board.
“We are still in the competition and can cause a few upsets here and there and get in the final four,” said the South Africa batsman, who along with David Miller is leaving the IPL for a three-match one-day international series against hosts England from May 24 to build up for the Champions Trophy beginning June 1.
KKR BOUNCE BACK
Kolkata Knight Riders also suffered a blip in form, losing backto-back games against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rising Pune Supergiant. But KKR are back on track after Sunday’s win.
Gambhir’s team has sprung a surprise by using Sunil Narine as pinch-hitter at the top and the match-winning spinner has been a revelation at the top.
On Sunday, he not only scored IPL’s joint-fastest fifty, off 15 balls, he also took two wickets. Kings XI Punjab bowlers, who have failed to defend 190 twice, will have to find a way to counter this.
Sunday night’s defeat of KXIP saw the bowlers and fielders allowing Gujarat Lions to chase an imposing target. They can’t afford that to happen against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Inconsistency has been the bane for Kings XI Punjab this season, and on Tuesday they need to check all three boxes— batting, bowling and fielding—if they are to stay in the hunt for a playoff berth.
GAUTAM GAMBHIR’S TEAM HAS SPRUNG A SURPRISE BY USING SUNIL NARINE AS PINCHHITTER AT THE TOP