IPL 2020: 3 things KXIP need to do to beat DC
To say that things could've been better for the Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2020 would be an understatement. After nine games, the side have won just three games, two of which came against RCB. Their third (and second consecutive) win came in their previous game against the Mumbai Indians, which went down to the wire with the two teams playing two Super Overs in a game for the first time in cricket history.
Considering that their openers are the top two run-getters in this year's tournament, one would expect Kings XI to be doing a lot better than they are. However, the way things stand, even one loss for KXIP could significantly damage their quest for a playoffs spot.
Much to the KXIP fans' dismay, the next match is certainly not going to be easy, as Rahul and co would be up against one of the best teams in this year's IPL - the Delhi Capitals. With DC's batsmen proving that no target is big enough, and their fast bowlers unsettling opposition batting line-ups with ease, this one promises to be a real test for the team that's currently among the table's bottom dwellers.
However, a win here could fill the team with confidence, and could inspire a turnaround. If KXIP is to beat the Capitals, here are the factors that could help them.
1. Attack their fast bowlers
If KXIP has had one thing going for them, it has been the form of their openers - Mayank Agarwal and KL Rahul. The Karnataka pair must look to unsettle the pace duo of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje, who are now used to top-order batsmen playing it safe against them.
The pair have picked up a whopping 31 wickets in their 9 games, with both of them giving less than 8 runs an over on average. What stands out is that Rabada has taken his wickets at an astonishing strike rate of 11.26 runs per wicket. The Capitals are clearly very dependent on their pacemen, and it could be in KXIP's best interests to attack them from the start.
Granted, this is a huge risk considering KXIP's middle-order has underperformed throughout the season. But after looking at the touch Rahul and Agarwal have been in, it's a risk worth taking. The duo have scored over 900 runs between them so far this season, with Rahul averaging 75. We've only seen this kind of form once before from an Indian in the IPL- and it was Virat Kohli during his legendary 973-run season in 2016. KXIP, therefore, must look to make the best use of this.
If the move comes good, captain Shreyas Iyer would have to turn to his all-rounders, who haven't been as effective so far.
2. Send Nicholas Pooran at no. 3
Although it may not seem like the best idea to further demote Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran has proved that he can be a game-changer in the recent past.
Though he hasn't had big runs to his name, the young West Indian southpaw certainly showed the damage he is capable of doing, en route his 77 off of 37 balls against SRH. That, by the way, is also the fastest half-century so far this season.
With a naturally attacking game and the ability to hit monstrous sixes, Pooran is an ideal top-order batsman. Moreover, while Gayle can smash the ball as good as anyone, quick singles and doubles are instantaneously out of the picture, as was evident in the game against RCB. This could end up hurting KXIP, with every single run counting for a lot in the tournament.
The suggestion to send Pooran at no. 3, however, is about his ability to win games. The Punjab franchise could strengthen their chances of getting big totals if Pooran comes in to bat up the order.
3. Dismiss the DC top-order cheaply
The Capitals bat deep. However, with the injuries of Rishabh Pant and Amit Mishra, there have been forced changes in the middle-order, in the form of Alex Carey and Axar Patel.
Shikhar Dhawan is riding high on confidence after his maiden ton against CSK. He has now scored 359 runs in his 9 games at a massive strike rate of 143. At the same time Prithvi Shaw, though not in recent matches, does have runs under his belt. The former U19 skipper also has two half-centuries to his name. Despite the fact that he has scored only 202 runs, one cannot write off Shaw's ability to create an impact when he gets going.
While many of their batsmen have played decent knocks, it has primarily been the top-order - Prithvi Shaw, Shikhar Dhawan, and Shreyas Iyer - that have powered their totals; either while setting or chasing targets. It would be key for KXIP to get quick wickets, not just to give themselves a good start, but because that also allows them to have a crack at an almost untested middle-order.