The Sunrisers Hyderabad dominated the proceedings to thrash KL Rahul-led Kings XI Punjab by 69 runs at the Dubai International Stadium. Punjab were absolutely thumped by the men in orange and what looked like an impressive season, to begin with, is now starting to look like doomsday for the Kings XI Punjab in the IPL 2020.
After a contrasting set of performances by both teams, captains had a lot to say about the game.
The winning captain David Warner expressed his nervousness at the time when Nicholas Pooran was going berserk in the middle overs while the losing captain KL Rahul pointed out the things that his team was not good enough at.
“I think when we lose wickets in the powerplay, it's always going to be tough, and getting Mayank run-out was a disaster. We kept losing wickets after that and it was one of those days where everything (aerial shots) went into the hands of fielders. The last five games we've been struggling in the death overs, but we pulled things back, else 230 was on the cards. Pooran is so good to watch, he's hitting proper cricketing shots. If we get a decent job at the start, he can do the job for us later. He's (Ravi Bishnoi) always enjoyed those situations, that's great to see for a youngster. All of them are professionals, and they know where they're going wrong. Everyone's working hard and they want to contribute to the team. They have proved themselves in the past, sometimes it doesn't come off, but you gotta be patient,’ said an introspecting KL Rahul after the loss.
“I was a bit nervous while Nicholas was hitting it over the stands. I have always had high prospects for that kid. I was fortunate to play in Bangladesh with him. You always think, 'What can I do, how can I get him out?'. He's (Rashid) a world-class bowler, it's great to have him. He always delivers in pressure situations. He loves that stuff. What a player. Sad for Bhuvi, we wish him all the best, but having one of our best death bowlers out of the team gives others an opportunity for others. We love batting with each other. We pride ourselves in running hard between wickets. At the moment, I am just rotating strike for him (Bairstow). We enjoy batting with each other. We tried to negate the swing by coming at them (KXIP bowlers). We have got a tough game against RR, a day game, and have to start fresh again’” David Warner shared the difference of thighs developing in his mind during the game and the challenges that his team has on its hand going into the next phase of the tournament.
Cricket experts such as Mark Nicholas and Pommie Mbangwa were not impressed by too much chopping and changing made by the Kings XI management. Mark Nicholas pointed to the selection of three different wicketkeepers in the six games of this season so far and said that it shows the team management does not quite know the best players of the team and also not backing players enough to guide them towards performances.
Commentator Harsha Bhogle, too, talked about the insecurity of the Kings XI team and also reminded that the pair of Warner and Bairstow made sure that the agony will carry on for Anil Kumble and KL Rahul going ahead in the tournament. He also spoke highly of the contributions made by Rashid Khan and the way he had led the SRH blowing line up in every match. He also commended Nicholas Pooran’s talent and suggested the Kings XI Punjab to start afresh and that they have a quality support staff, it won’t be too difficult for them to turn it around.
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