XtraTime Web Desk: It was one of the most clinical performance by KL Rahul led Kings XI Punjab as they thrashed star studded Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by 97 runs in Match 7 of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020) at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday. Batting first Punjab posted a huge total of 206 runs, thanks to Rahul scoring the majority of the runs. The KXIP captain played a stunning knock of 132* from 69 balls, becoming the first Indian cricketer as well as the first captain of an IPL team to register the most runs scored in the history of the cash rich league. In reply RCB were bowled out for a paltry score of 109 all out in 17 overs.
Speaking after the match, Rahul attributed the win towards the team effort. “It’s as complete a team performance as it can get, so yeah, happy.”
Talking about his own performance, Rahuil said he wasn’t confident enough before going into bat.
“I’ve actually been not so confident. Had a chat with Maxi yesterday and said I wasn’t feeling completely in control of my batting. Was a little nervous but I knew if I faced a few balls, it would settled down. Sometimes as a captain you’re short on time, but I still try and maintain the same routine.”
On his role as a captain and how much is he enjoying it, Rahul said, “Till the toss I still want to think as a player, not a captain. We had a few different plans going into this game and we knew we had to get wickets up front, that also meant we needed to get a big score. As complete a performance as it can get.”
The KXIP captain also heaped loads of praises on young leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi.
“Bishnoi has a lot of heart. He has a lot of fight in him. Every time I throw the ball to him, he wants to get in the fight. He was a little nervous bowling to Finch and AB, but showed a lot of heart,” said Rahul.