Former India batsman Krishnamachari Srikkanth defended Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) skipper KL Rahul amidst criticism over his approach to batting in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 in UAE.
The highly talented right-hand opener has stuck to a sedate tempo, in hope to bat deep into the innings and provide his team the final flourish which, however, hasn't always been the case against well-round attacks on disposal in the competition.
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But Srikkanth thinks Rahul deserves praise for backing his technique and orthodox style of play, adding that he isn't to be blamed for his team's poor run in the tournament. Rahul, even though at the top of the run-charts with 525 runs in nine innings, has a middling strike-rate of 135.66.
"Classy Rahul has taken over the league by storm. There has been no crass hitting aided by monster power. The Punjab skipper has done it with pure batsmanship and fantastic timing. In many ways, Rahul takes us back a few decades with his classical approach. Somehow, Punjab have not been able to close out a few games," Srikkanth wrote in his column for the Times of India.
"In my opinion, they are the most dangerous side, going in to the business end of the tournament. I know Rahul has faced some criticism for not being able to see through a few chases, but one can't be too hard on him," he added.
Rahul's fellow opener Mayank Agarwal is only second to him in the tally, scoring 393 runs at an average of 43.67 and strike-rate of 159.11. But despite those two showing excellent form, KXIP have managed to post just three wins in nine outings. Srikkanth believes this reflects lack of consistent contributions from the others in the batting line-up.
"The others must also chip in. Remember, Rahul is handling multiple jobs and yet has 525 runs from nine innings at a strike rate of 136. I will take these numbers any day from my opening batsman. Add to that, he is keeping wickets and leading the team."
"With Mayank, Gayle, Maxwell and Pooran, the Punjab top-order is easily the most destructive on paper, so it's not fair to pick on one batsman as the reason for failure. In fact, Rahul's consistency has allowed the other batsmen to express themselves freely."
Even if not indicative of a complete revival, KXIP have posted two close-fought wins in their last two matches to keep themselves alive in the race to the playoffs.
Ahead of their next fixture on Tuesday (October 20) in Dubai versus table-toppers Delhi Capitals (DC), Srikkanth opined Rahul's team have begun to sort their bowling combination out.
"Another reason for Punjab's poor returns was their bowling combination and I feel they have got it right now and if they finish in the top-four, it should not come as a surprise."
"Delhi on the other hand are sitting firmly on top of the table, thanks to their wonderfully balanced attack. (Anrich) Nortje and (Kagiso) Rabada have proved yet again that there is no replacement for genuine air speed, irrespective of the format or conditions. In Ashwin and Axar Patel, Delhi have two crafty spinners to complete a potent line-up."
On DC, Srikkanth feels in the forced absence of injured Rishabh Pant and consequently, Shimron Hetmyer, the batting is slightly too dependent on skipper Shreyas Iyer and now in-form Shikhar Dhawan.
"The batting revolves a lot around Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer and that can be a matter of concern as they shift focus towards the playoffs."
"This promises to be one exciting contest as Delhi would like to secure their spot on top of the table while Punjab are just not giving up on their hopes of advancing to the next round."
"A dynamite top-order against a robust all-round attack, I am sure this game will further enhance the brand of the cash-rich league," he signed off.
