Kings XI Punjab captain KL Rahul marked the first century of the 2020 Indian Premier League against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Thursday. Rahul hit an undefeated 132 on 69 balls to help his team to a whopping 206/3 total in 20 overs.
RCB, led by Virat Kohli, fought in the chase and was eliminated for 109 in just 17 overs, losing the match by 97 runs. It was RCB’s first loss of the season and Rahul’s contribution made the difference.
The Punjab captain received the man of the match award for his performance. Rahul’s performance invited high praise from former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop and former India starter Gautam Gambhir.
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West Indies legend Ian Bishop, on ESPNCricinfo’s T20 Timeout, said: “The way he balanced his innings was great. I was sitting there watching those first 50 runs, and outside of the power play I was thinking ‘gee, he’s just settling there, not anchored, but looking to balance it out. “
And I think he did it wonderfully. Forget the chances, the way he accelerates towards the end, having hit so deep in the innings, I think it makes him a complete hitter, “he added.
Kings XI Punjab captain KL Rahul after scoring a century during IPL 2020 (PTI).
Gambhir added: “This was a fitting entry. Not even a single job on the tickets to be honest. That is the quality of man. He can hit those cricket shots and with so much impact and attack speed, he shows what he’s capable of.
“I have to agree with Ian Bishop that in IPL he is probably no. 1 player at the moment, ”he added.
Kings XI Punjab will face Rajasthan Royals next Sunday.
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