Watching K.L. Rahul in full flow, his body and mind in harmony as he picks the length early, out-thinks the bowler and slices open the field, has thrilled the senses in IPL-11.
While he can essay the classical shots — still head, high left elbow, decisive feet movement — Rahul also innovates.
His touch is deft, timing exquisite and impact devastating. Stylish even when he plays those shots not quite in the book, the opener has an astonishing 652 runs at 59.27 with a strike-rate of 160.98.
Three strokes for every ball
Gifted batsmen possess time and Rahul, who can meet the ball late, seems to have three different strokes for each delivery. He skilfully uses the pace of the ball, eases the sphere over the ropes.
Despite the classy Rahul’s rousing form, Kings XI Punjab, that meets Chennai Super Kings here on Sunday, is struggling for qualification.
With 12 points from 13 matches and run-rate of -0.490, Kings XI has to win big over CSK and hope that some other results go its way.
Chennai Super Kings will be aiming to enter Qualifier-1 with a victory here and keep the momentum.
For Kings XI, it has not just been about Rahul alone. Lanky paceman Andrew Tye has been the most successful bowler in this IPL with 24 wickets.
This bowler with a high-arm action and a semi side-on release, has varied his pace and length, sent down effective yorkers, and not provided the batsmen width. The Aussie has a good seam position and employs his wrists effectively.
But then, despite the heroics from Rahul, Tye and the explosive Chris Gayle, Kings XI has not fired as a unit.
Mujeeb’s availability
And the injury to mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman’s bowling hand — his availability here is in balance — has hurt the side.
Some changes in the batting order, lending it an unsettled appearance, have not helped the team either.
Skipper Ashwin, who has bowled much better after he switched from leg-spin to off-spin, will be up against his old teammates from Chennai.
For CSK, the loss against Delhi Daredevils on a slowish pitch was a hiccup. Ambati Rayudu’s form up the order — he has batted with clarity of mind and power — continues to be stunning.
And M.S. Dhoni would do well to make Lungi Ngidi — he brings incisiveness and consistency to the attack — a regular feature.
