Last Update on: September 30th, 2019 at 12:55 pm
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) have had a tough run in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) failing to make it to the playoff stages. However, their opening pair – Chris Gayle and KL Rahul has had an outstanding tournament with the bat, and have been one of the best opening pairs in the competition. They have complemented each other on and off the field and share a good rapport.
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Although they finished sixth in the tournament, Kings XI Punjab finished the tournament on a high. They defeated Chennai Super Kings by six wickets to finish with 12 points at the PCA IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali. Chasing 171 runs set by Chennai banking Faf du Plessis outstanding knock, KL Rahul started on the fifth gear taking the Chennai Super Kings bowlers to the cleaners. He smacked Harbhajan Singh to take 41 runs from two overs and in the process registered the third fastest fifty of the season.
Rahul and Chris Gayle shared a 108-run partnership to set the tone for the chase. Although Rahul got out for 71, Nicholas Pooran combined well to take Punjab close to the winning lines. The Universe Boss who has been an admirer of KL Rahul once again showered praise on the talented opener. So much so, Gayle labelled him as one of the best opening batsmen he has batted with. Recently, Gayle tipped Rahul as the next big thing in Indian cricket after Virat Kohl.
“You’re one of the best opening partners I’ve had,” Gayle told Rahul in a chat after the match. “Our communication between the wickets’ was fantastic,” he added.
KL Rahul has amassed 593 runs in 14 games, striking at 135.38 with an average of 53.90 including a century against Mumbai Indians. On the other hand, Chris Gayle has registered 490 runs in 13 games in this edition of the IPL at a strike-rate of over 130, averaging 40.83. The duo has also shared two 100+ stands in the IPL and was one of the positives in Kings XI Punjab’s disastrous campaign.
