IPL: Kings XI Punjab becomes the team with most captains after KL Rahul leads them against Delhi Capitals

Kings XI Punjab, led by KL Rahul, locked horns with Delhi Capitals in Match 2 of IPL 2020 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Karnataka stalwart Rahul won the toss and put Capitals to bat first on a pitch that was looking beneficial for seam bowlers.

Rahul’s decision proved fruitful as KXIP dented the Delhi franchise with three early blows. It was Shikhar Dhawan first returned to the pavilion after getting run out by a mile. What followed was Prithvi Shaw and Shimron Hetmyer giving away easy catches and failing to steer Capitals to an impressive start.

After delivering awe-inspiring with the national side, Rahul is expected to hit the purple patch in the IPL 2020. The KXIP has been in stellar form in the past few months, providing Team India with vital contributions with his willow and wicketkeeping gloves.

During MS Dhoni’s truancy from the Indian team, Rahul had stepped up to the occasion, replacing an inconsistent Rishabh Pant in the Playing XI. He was lauded for his ability to bat at any position and handle the responsibility behind the stumps.

KL Rahul aiming to steer KXIP to their maiden IPL title this season

Rahul has now etched another record to his name after leading KXIP in their opening fixture. He became 12th skipper of the Punjab franchise in the history of the tournament. Since the inception of the IPL, KXIP have experimented with 12 skippers including Rahul.

KXIP has registered a woeful spell in the past few IPL seasons. The franchise has secured the bottom place twice in its last five years and their last memorable IPL stint came in 2014 when they paved their way into the finals. However, they failed to lift the trophy after losing against Gautam Gambhir-led Kolkata Knight Riders.

The second in the list of IPL teams with most captains are Delhi Capitals. The Shreyas Iyer-led side has so far experimented with 11 skippers during their IPL journey.

The third place is tied between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians. Both the franchises have had seven captains since the inaugural edition of the IPL. The next two teams in the list are Pune Warriors India and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Both sides have had six teams during the course of their IPL voyage.

Rahul, meanwhile, will be aiming to consolidate his position as KXIP’s skipper by winning their opening encounter against DC. KXIP have been successful so far in restricting KXIP to a modest total in Powerplay overs. Rahul and his troops will be vying to clinch their maiden IPL title this season.