IPL 2018, RR vs KXIP: 5 talking points
Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab locked horns for the second time in three days as the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur played host to what was a must-win match for the Royals. Much to the delight of the home crowd, Ajinkya Rahane's side prevailed in the contest to keep alive their slim chances of qualifying for the playoff phase of the competition.
Jos Buttler was the go-to man for Royals yet again as he scored his third consecutive half-century to help his side score 158 off their 20 overs. In reply, Kings XI Punjab was jolted by three early blows and never really recovered as they ended up 15 runs short despite KL Rahul batting all the way through to remain unbeaten on 95.
Here are the 5 major talking points from today's contest.
#5 KL Rahul fights a lone battle
KL Rahul has been the standout batsman for Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2018 alongside his opening partner Chris Gayle as his position at the top of the run-scorer chart for the ongoing season proves.
The 26-year-old has impressed everyone with his aggressive batting and consistency and nearly did a repeat of his match-winning performance against Rajasthan Royals on Sunday when he had led from start to finish with an unbeaten knock of 84 that helped his side chase down 153.
The key to that victory was the unbeaten 68-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Marcus Stoinis and yet again, Kings XI's hopes of an unlikely victory rested on the duo but the result this time out was not the hosts would have hoped for.
KL Rahul remained unbeaten on 95 off 70 balls but found no support whatsoever from the other end that was very much needed.