IPL 2019 | KXIP have been a sleeper hit in this IPL, says Harsha Bhogle

Kings XI Punjab had won five out of their first six matches in the last edition of the Indian Premier League, but could only manage one win in the rest of the eight before missing out on the playoff berth by a distance. Even in the current season, the Ravichandran Ashwin-led side has lacked big names barring their opening combination of Chris Gayle and KL Rahul, but they have still punched way above their weight, learning from their past mistakes.

In their encounter against Rajasthan Royals on Tuesday, KXIP could manage a decent total of 182, but given the nature of the pitch and Jos Butler’s form, many expected RR to get through. But the Kings bowled extremely well to restrict the opponents 13 runs from the target with pace bowling duo Mohammed Shami and debutant Arshdeep Singh taking two wickets apiece.

"Against Rajasthan Royals, the bowling, in defence of 182 which was at best par, was hardly threatening. Mohd Shami, having an excellent tournament but possessed of an otherwise ordinary T20 record, R Ashwin who isn't considered for white ball cricket, Murugan Ashwin, one of many leg spinners, Arshdeep Singh, hardly heard of and Mujeeb, the highly rated young Afghani who is having an average tournament. There was no sixth option to speak of. And yet, except for a few overs, they didn't let the Royals into the game," expressed the 57-year-old.

Before the start of the tournament, many believed that the Punjab-based franchise would fizzle out if the opening combination failed to get going, given the weak middle order. But they have proven their critics wrong, as Mayank Agarwal has notched up 225 runs in eight innings, at a healthy strike rate of nearly 125, and even the likes of Sarfaraz Khan and David Miller have delivered in the limited opportunities that they have got. 

"So why are they doing well? You could look at Chris Gayle and his starts, KL Rahul and his acceptance of a new role even if it means he uses up too many deliveries sometimes, Mayank Agarwal who has been excellent without too many talking about him, but this doesn't get you into the play-offs. The key has been the captain. It is fashionable to look for weaknesses in R Ashwin but with Dhoni, he has been the standout leader of this IPL. You look at that team and you know straight away who the leader is. He hasn't shied away from taking decisions, has been vocal and been happy to be in the eye of the storm himself. And, yes, he has bowled magnificently. If the Kings make the playoffs, with the resources they have, it will be a huge triumph for Ashwin," Bhogle signed off.

The Kings will next face Delhi Capitals at the Feroz Shah Kotla, on April 20.