IPL 2020: Kings XI look up to Gayle to stay afloat

Kings XI Punjab are at the deck of the Indian Premier League points table at the half-way stage. The team has lost six of their seven outings as one of the most dominant icons of T20 format Chris Gayle stayed confined to the dugout or out of action due to a bug.

The team is in trouble and Universe Boss is fit. That comes as some reprieve for the Kings XI Punjab who face Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore in a must-win match tomorrow (Thursday).

In fact the KXIP have driven to the brink from where they can only stay afloat by winning all their remaining games and still hope that one of the top four teams lose their rhythm.

The team will be hoping Gayle to create a storm with the might of his willow to announce his arrival on the IPL 2020 centre stage.

As they take on RCB, Kings XI can draw confidence from the fact that they have scored their solitary win this IPL win against the Bengaluru-based outfit.

The shorter boundaries at Sharjah will be suitable for Gayle, who believes in trading in boundaries rather than running ones and twos. However, there will be concern from the wicket which has been slowing down gradually with the progress of the league across only three venues.

Gayle is expected to replace an out of form Glenn Maxwell.

Where will Gayle play in the batting order will be another question. The think tank will not like to disturb the opening pair to KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal. The duo has been the most successful opening pair of the IPL Season 13 – Rahul (387 at strike rate of 134.84) and Agarwal (337 at 48.14) being the highest run getters.

RCB, who are yet to win an IPL crown, are placed third in the points table and see their best chance to end the title drought. The team has gained in momentum as the tournament has progressed and that will be a big challenge for KXIP.

Admin Sportz Front

Read Previous

Pakistan Cricket: Misbahul quits as chief selector; to focus on coaching

Read Next

IPL 2020: Rohit spearheads another team with 10 Indian players