IPL 2021: Chris Gayle Was Always Confident That He Could Make It Up, He Knew Whom To Target - KL Rahul

Punjab Kings’ captain, KL Rahul lauds Chris Gayle for his mature knock in their 9-wicket victory over the Mumbai Indians on Friday in Chennai. Chasing 132, Punjab got off to a flyer from KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal with 52 runs in 7 overs.

Rahul Chahar gave Mumbai its first breakthrough and Gayle walked in. The ‘Universe Boss’ eschewed his attacking instincts at the start of his innings against Chahar and Jayant Yadav – he was 3 off 10 balls at the end of the 11th over.

Once he saw off the initial phase without any risk and played according to the situation, which KL Rahul applauded, Gayle then slowly started to find boundaries against all three Mumbai spinners. With 17 runs required off 18 balls, the West Indian smacked Trent Boult for a six, practically pocketing the game for Punjab.

“It was good of Chris that he got through that period. He was always confident that he could make it up. He knew whom to target. That’s what you get with Chris, not just destructive batting but also experience of so many years playing T20 cricket,” KL Rahul said at the presentation ceremony.

Bishnoi Held His Composure And Bowled Really Well: KL Rahul

Ravi Bishnoi made his first appearance of IPL 2021 after being benched for 4 matches, surprisingly, despite being impressive last season. The leg-spinner made an instant impact dismissing Ishan Kishan in his first over; he got another big wicket of the set batsman, Suryakumar Yadav.

KL Rahul was effusive in praise for the 20-year-old; he said that Bishnoi has been working with the coach and former legendary spinner, Anil Kumble and was calm when the Mumbai batters looked to attack him.

“I am sure it gives him (Bishnoi) a lot of confidence. He unfortunately missed the first few games, he’s been working really hard with Anil bhai. There were a few things he needed to correct and he’s been somebody who’s brave, that’s very good to see. He held his composure and bowled really well,” the skipper stated.

With their second win, Punjab moves up to the fifth spot on the points table; they leave Chennai and will travel to Ahmedabad to face Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday.

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