IPL 2018 | Kings XI Punjab too much relying on Gayle and Rahul, asserts Kris Srikkanth

IPL 2018 | Kings XI Punjab too much relying on Gayle and Rahul, asserts Kris Srikkanth

SportsCafe Desk

By SportsCafe Desk, SportsCafe Editor

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Krishnamachari Srikkanth has advised Punjab to look beyond their opening duo of Gayle and Rahul to stay in the chase for a playoffs spot. Keeping an eye on IPL points table, the former Indian captain believes Chennai, Hyderabad looks almost certain for playoffs and didn't rule out Mumbai's chances.

Kris Srikkanth, in his column for Times Of India, has stated that Kings Eleven Punjab must look beyond KL Rahul and Chris Gayle if they want to make it to the playoffs. The R Ashwin-led franchise will play against last-placed Rajasthan Royals today in Indore and after back to back losses, the Kings find themselves in a spot of bother as far as their chances of making the playoffs are concerned. 

“For a team that started with all guns blazing with five wins in the first six games, things look a little different now. The ill-planned chase against Hyderabad could hurt them badly in the final analysis," wrote Srikkanth, who captained India in four Test matches and 13 ODIs.

"The over-dependence on their openers: Chris Gayle and KL Rahul have now become obvious. They need their other batsmen to fire and make it count. They do look a different side if there is a solid opening start; else they look completely vulnerable and exposed. The game against Rajasthan will present Kings XI with another opportunity to slowly put things back on track. Another area where they need to shore up is their fielding, too many easy runs given away in the field and catch going down has also upset their chances." 

Before the Kings' match, however, third-placed Kolkata Knight Riders will play against defending champions Mumbai who are in a do or die situation. Talking about Sunday’s double-header, Srikkanth feels the permutation and combinations for playoff spots have made the matches, all more interesting. 

"A positive result for Kolkata would mean the end of the road for Mumbai while the result between Kings XI and Rajasthan will decide who is likely to break free from the tight situation in the points table. It does have all the makings of a Super Sunday," wrote Srikkanth. 

Apart from today’s matches, Srikkanth penned his thoughts on overall points table and backed Hyderabad and Chennai to it into the final four easily. He also looked quite impressed by the way Chennai and Mumbai have turned around things in the second half of different editions. 

"Chennai and Hyderabad look certain of making the playoffs but strange things have happened in the second half of the tournament. Gaining momentum and peaking at the right time is of paramount importance in a long drawn league. This might sound clichéd but this is the hard fact. Chennai and Mumbai are the teams that have mastered it in the past and the number of trophies in their cabinets are standing proof," he observed.

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