Kings XI Punjab’s form change has coincided with the introduction of explosive hitter Chris Gayle in the XI game. The ‘Universe Boss’ has made an instant impact with his contributions with the bat. It’s not just his hitting that changes teams, but the positive impact he has on his teammates with his lighthearted personality.
He again contributed the bat Monday when he scored 51 runs on 21 balls to propel him to an eight wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. The victory has brought KXIP to fourth place in the IPL points table above KKR.
After the victory, KXIP captain KL Rahul praised Chris Gayle and said the West Indies left-handed hitter always keeps the locker room upbeat.
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“Chris, it was a very difficult decision not to play him. He’s the hungriest I’ve seen in the last seven or eight years playing for different franchises. Running one and two. And you know how he keeps the dressing room lively. To do it over and over again, year after year … We will enjoy the victory tonight, we will enjoy tomorrow and then we will start thinking about the next game. One game at a time, ”Rahul told host station Star Sports at the post-match presentation.
KXIP chased the 150 target with eight wickets in hand and seven balls to spare. Mandeep Singh and Chris Gayle played shots of 66 and 51 respectively.
Mandeep Singh lost his father on Friday and praising the batter’s effort to continue playing for the Punjab franchise, Rahul said: “The kind of toughness that Mandeep has shown has spread to other avenues. Everybody is excited. Just raising your hand, just being there, just finishing the game, it makes us proud. “
Previously, Shubman Gill played a 57-run stroke when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) posted a total of 149/9 in the twenty allotted overs.
KXIP has now won its last five games in the current IPL, keeping hopes of qualifying for the playoffs alive.
Kings XI Punjab will face the Rajasthan Royals on Friday October 30 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
(with ANI inputs)
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