The star opener of Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), Chris Gayle might be back at Sharjah against Royal Challengers Bangalore. According to the management of Kings XI Punjab, Chris Gayle could have played his first match in this season two matches earlier. The head coach of Kings XI Punjab, Anil Kumble has told that Chris Gayle has been selected in the starting XI in the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, the player has not been able to play the match because of food poisoning. Chris Gayle has been hospitalized and that’s why he has missed the next match of Kings XI Punjab against Kolkata Knight Riders.
The official handle of Kings XI Punjab has posted a video of Chris Gayle in the practice session on Monday. Kings XI Punjab has been able to win only one match out of first seven games in this season.
At this moment, every match is a must-win game for them. It is expected that the management will make some changes in the match against Royal Challengers Bangalore. The team combination is still not working for Kings XI Punjab. Their top two batsmen are getting runs on a consistent basis, but the team is losing one after another match. This is not a good sign for any team.
Updates From The Universal Boss
In the match against Kolkata Knight Riders, Kings XI Punjab have played good cricket for most of the time in the match. However, in the last 3-4 overs during the run chase, they have messed up. KXIP has not been able to score 29 runs in last four overs against Kolkata Knight Riders. There has been a lot of questions about the captaincy of KL Rahul in this format of the game. KL Rahul is currently the orange cap holder in the side. However, he has not been able to finish the matches for Kings XI Punjab.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CGK9-9XF7oa/?utm_source=ig_embed
In the previous match, he has got a golden opportunity to see his team in a winning way. However, he has lost that opportunity. Few decisions of the team management have also been quite shocking for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP).
In the match against Kolkata Knight Riders, they have sent the young wicket-keeper batsman Prabhsimran against Sunil Narine in a crucial situation of the match. They could have easily sent Glenn Maxwell or Mandeep Singh at that point and the result of the match might have been different.
What THe KXIP Tweeted Out?
Guess who’s back? ?#SaddaPunjab #IPL2020 #KXIP https://t.co/azraXLCtRW
— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) October 12, 2020
Chris Gayle’s inclusion might see Mayank Agarwal going to one down batsman as KL Rahul will be opening with the Universal Boss. They might be opting to drop Mujeeb Ur Rahaman as the spinner has not done anything significant in last two matches and he is taking one overseas slot.
Krishnappa Gowtham might come in the starting XI in place of Mujeeb in this match. Ishan Porel might play his first match of the tournament. The young bowler is awaiting for his chance in the tournament for a long time. Kings XI Punjab will be hoping for a turn around on Thursday against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Sharjah.
