Abu Dhabi: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) are not having a good time in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020. They have started their tournament in a successful way, but after that KXIP have suffered three losses back-to-back in a row.
The condition of the KXIP bowling section is looking bad and have also gone wrong with the batsmen in the cash-rich league so far. KXIP were thrashed by Rohit Sharma-led Mumbai Indians by 48 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi pn Thursday (October 1).
This #WorldSmileDay, we give you a reason to 😁#SaddaPunjab #IPL2020 #KXIP @mayankcricket pic.twitter.com/sNUxCfFpMD
— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) October 2, 2020
Chasing a target of 192, KXIP started well getting 37 in four overs before Mayank Agarwal was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah for a breezy 25 runs off 18 balls. However, there is a cold war going on regarding the Orange Cap between Rahul and opening partner Mayank as they are in a very close position in the top-scorers’ list.
.@mayankcricket (246 runs) is the current holder of the Orange Cap but his opening partner, friend and captain KL Rahul (239 runs) has his eyes firmly set on the prize! We love the friendly banter 😁 😆 #Dream11IPL #KXIPvMI pic.twitter.com/tLO3BWJldo
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 1, 2020
Mayank bagged the Orange Cap after his 25 against Mumbai as it took him to 246 runs. However, Rahul who has 239 runs under his belt, has his eyes fully aimed on the Orange Cap. “Until and unless that Orange Cap stays with KXIP, I’m happy. He’s (Agarwal) worked very hard and deserves that cap. I’m sure I’ll take it off him soon,” Rahul said.
“We are not competing for the cap, we are just looking to play some good cricket. It doesn’t matter who gets the runs, be it Rahul, Pooran, or anyone else. Runs in the international circuit have given me a lot of confidence. In the lockdown, I sat down and looked at how things will work in the T20 template. The thought is just about getting into great positions,” he further added.
A solid 50-run partnership comes up between @KieronPollard55 & @hardikpandya7 💪💪#Dream11IPL #KXIPvMI pic.twitter.com/4R6fyhwlMt
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) October 1, 2020
“After facing a loss against Mumbai Indians, opener Rahul disclosed that his team made ‘mistakes’ which led to the defeat. “Obviously disappointing. Looking back, we could’ve got three wins out of four. This game, we made some mistakes. Important we come back stronger,” Rahul said during the post-match presentation.
Rahul further stated, “The wicket looked good with the new ball. Don’t know if it slowed after that. Another bowling option would be nice – an all-rounder option who can bat and bowl well. Will be sitting with the coaches to decide if we want to play an extra bowler.”
