IPL 2021: KL Rahul reveals the reason behind renaming Kings XI Punjab

IPL 2021 will be a new beginning for Punjab Kings. Ahead of the fourteenth season of the tournament, the Punjab-based IPL franchise have rechristened themselves to Punjab Kings from Kings XI Punjab. They have also unveiled a new logo as they eye a fresh start in the competition after years of failure to win the title.

And as Punjab Kings look for a fresh start in IPL, their skipper KL Rahul has revealed the reason behind the franchise’s decision to rename and relaunch. The wicketkeeper-batsman said that unlike the old name, the new name represents more than just the playing 11 as it stands for the whole family. While explaining the reason, Rahul also insisted he liked the old name before exuding confidence that the new name will help the team change its fortunes.

“I liked the name Kings XI but the team is a lot more than just 11 players. We are supposed to be like a family, supposed to feel like a family, supposed to feel like a whole unit. I am quite confident that the change in name will bring us good fortune this year,” said KL Rahul while speaking on Star Sports.

Rahul’s Punjab Kings teammate Chris Gayle also gave his opinion on the new name of the team and said he loved it. He also agreed with Rahul’s view that the new name stands for the whole family and not only for the 11 players on the field. Gayle opined that the new name will get all the members of the team more involved.

“Absolutely, I love it. Sometimes, it’s good to have a change as well. I like what KL said. It’s not about the 11 players. It’s going to get everyone more involved. Punjab Kings is the way to go,” said Gayle.

Punjab Kings eye their maiden title:

Punjab Kings will be hoping that their luck on the field finally changes after the change in name and the logo. The Punjab-based franchise has one of the strongest batting lineups in the team but has struggled for consistency, especially in recent years. They have not made it to the playoffs since their maiden appearance in IPL final in 2014. In IPL 2020, they finished at the sixth spot after managing only 6 wins from 14 games.