Mandeep, who lost his father on Friday, played a match winning hit to guide KXIP to its fifth consecutive victory in the ongoing IPL.
KXIP chased the 150 goal with eight wickets in hand and seven balls to spare against KKR. Mandeep and Chris Gayle played shots of 66 and 51 respectively.
An excited Mandeep dedicated his half century to his late father.
Kohli said Mandeep is the most genuinely happy cricketer he knows and praised the 28-year-old hitter for his brave swing.
“The most genuinely happy cricketer I know. Doing what you have done in this time of trial is because of your faith in life and your positive attitude. Well played shera. He is blessing you from above. @ Mandeeps12 Lionheart” Kohli wrote on her Instagram story.
With this victory, KXIP has moved to fourth place in the points table with 12 points, while KKR has slipped to fifth place with the same number of points.
KXIP has now won its last five games in the current IPL, keeping hopes of qualifying for the playoffs alive. They will next face the Rajasthan Royals on Friday, October 30 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
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