IPL 2020: 3 reasons why Kings XI Punjab will be exceptional under KL Rahul's captaincy

Ravichandran Ashwin’s move from Kings XI Punjab to Delhi Capitals was one of the high-profile transfers of 2020 IPL Trading Window. The off-spinner was bought by Punjab for INR 7.6 crore at 2018 IPL auction and was made their skipper much to the surprise of everyone ahead of season eleven.

Under Ashwin’s leadership, Kings XI Punjab managed to finish seventh and sixth in 2018 and 2019 IPL seasons respectively. Having parted ways with Ashwin, the expectations were high among fans as to who will be at the helm for the thirteenth edition of IPL. The Mohali-based franchise then officially announced the flamboyant Indian batsman KL Rahul as its new skipper ahead of 2020 IPL.

Rahul who was bought by the 2014 IPL runners-up for a whopping INR 11 crore ahead of season eleven started off his Kings XI Punjab stint with a bang amassing the fastest-ever fifty in IPL history having reached his half-century in just 14 balls against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) at Mohali. The Karnataka batsman continued his domination at the top-of-the-order from thereon amassing 659 and 593 runs (2018 and 2019 editions) respectively and it will be no different this time as well despite being bestowed with the captaincy

On that note, let us look at three reasons why Kings XI Punjab will be formidable under KL Rahul’s leadership:

1. KL Rahul’s current form and versatility

KL Rahul is in the form of his life in limited-overs cricket and is going through the best phase of his career. The 27-year-old was dominant with the willow during India’s limited-overs series against West Indies, Sri Lanka and Australia scoring runs at ease.

The right-hander has certainly assured his spot for 2020 T20 World Cup to be held in Australia later this year with his recent performances and has become an indispensable member of India’s limited-overs set up.

The stylish right-hander is ready to bat any spot according to the team’s needs and contributes well despite coming in at different positions apart from emerging as the first-choice wicket-keeper for Team India in limited-overs with his smart glovework behind the stumps. Rahul’s current form, versatility combined with matured decisions and shot selections might augur well for him to guide Kings XI Punjab forward.