IPL 2018: KXIP And CSK Seem To Be Looking Very Strong - Sir Viv Richards

Former Windies skipper Viv Richards reiterated Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are the teams to beat in the ongoing season eleven of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Both the teams have looked almost unstoppable this season so far. As a result, they are sitting at the first two spots of the IPL 2018 points table.

Ravichandran Ashwin-led Punjab is enjoying the first spot while having won five of their six games.

On the other hand, Super Kings are at the second position, having won four of the five games so far.

But while Richards called both the teams very strong, he was quick to point out their weaknesses respectively.

The batting legend marked out that both the teams need to work more as a team instead of relying heavily on individuals.

“From the looks of things, Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings seem to be looking very strong. However, it seems both teams will have to work a little more on the overall team contribution. They have won games due to superb individual performances rather than wholesome team efforts,” he wrote for TOI.

Richards further lavished praise on his compatriot Chris Gayle. The most decorated batsman in the history of Twenty20 cricket cut a sorry figure in this year’s auction.

Despite being one of the best players in the history of the league, there were no bidders for him early on.  He was picked up only after his name was called three separate times at the two-day long mega-auction.

Kings XI Punjab pounced upon the chance and secured Gayle’s services at his base price of INR 2 crore. And Gayle has not taken much time to repay the faith.

The Jamaican big-hitting sensation has taken the league by storm. In three games he has played so far, the 38-year old has scored two fifties and a century.

Sir Viv Richards also had a word of praise for Dwayne Bravo (CSK) and Andre Russell (KKR).

“What a sight Chris Gayle has been to behold! Having been picked only in the last round of the auction, many had written him off, claiming that his best years were behind him. It’s good to see the confidence that he has when he steps on to the pitch. The same poise can be seen in the likes of Dwayne Bravo and Andre Russell, which I think bodes well for cricket in the Caribbean,” he wrote.

“Cricketers like them possess a certain amount of experience and adaptability. The IPL this year has put the versatility of the game on display for all. This is a credit to the batsmen as well as the bowlers,” he added.

Also, read: IPL 2018: Stephen Fleming in Awe of Deepak Chahar for His Fine Bowling Show