IPL 2018: Chris Gayle's dominance rubbing off on Rahul and Nair, feels Viv Richards

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) has surprised everyone with their performances this season as they currently stand fourth in the points table with 5 wins to their name. Their gun player, Chris Gayle has won them a couple of matches already who has rediscovered his mojo in time. With 252 runs in four outings to go with a massive 23 sixes and a strike-rate of over 160, the Jamaican has become a force to reckon with once again. However, the former legend Viv Richards feels that Gayle’s energy has rubbed off on his teammates like KL Rahul and Karun Nair.

Apart from the Universe Boss, Rahul and Nair have also been excellent for Punjab this year who has done the bulk of the scoring. While the former is the highest run-getter for them, Nair follows Gayle in the top 3 in the same list as the trio has kept their opponents on their toes.

Richards praises the team effort

Viv Richards, in his column for Times of India, praised the team effort of KXIP and felt that they have been able to stand up to the challenges under the able captaincy of R Ashwin. “Kings XI never held back and have brought something new to the pitch each game under the able captaincy of Ashwin; whether it’s a Gayle storm or KL Rahul’s smart innings or young Ankit Rajpoot’s five-for. The boys have given their hundred percent on the field,” he wrote. He also believed that the energy of Gayle has helped the team’s cause and is hoping them to go all the way this year.

“Gayle’s power-show in this IPL has been satisfying to watch, especially after him being left unsold twice in the auction, which has inspired him to ignite the fire inside. Players like Karun Nair and KL Rahul seem to derive that energy from the Jamaican. It will be fabulous to see Punjab make it all the way to the top, post their struggles over these past few seasons,” Richards added.

Punjab will play their next game against the struggling Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday at their new home venue in Indore.

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