IPL 2020: Sunil Gavaskar Awestruck By KL Rahul's Growth As A Leader

Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar is amazed by the way KL Rahul has captained Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2020. KL Rahul copped plenty of criticism not only as a captain but also batsman after he failed to take the team over the line in a few games that they should have. Nevertheless, their recent performances have led Sunil Gavaskar to hail the 28-year old’s growth as a leader.

Out of the first seven games, Kings XI Punjab managed only one victory and seemed certain to bow out of the tournament. Nevertheless, they have sparked a remarkable turnaround by winning four games on the bounce, including beating the top two sides in Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians. As per the current scenario, the 2014 finalist has a genuine chance of reaching the playoffs.

Sunil Gavaskar has hailed KL Rahul’s captaincy, observing that the Orange Cap holder has grown as a leader. The 70-year old highlighted that Rahul’s field placings and bowling changes have been immaculate apart from backing young left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh to defend 14 runs in the final over against SunRisers Hyderabad.

“They have been brilliantly led by KL Rahul. KL Rahul has grown into the captaincy role, and though he didn’t score as many as he normally does, he made sure, with his field placing, with his bowling changes, even giving Chris Jordan that 19th over and then trusting Arshdeep to defend 14 in the final over is fantastic,” Gavaskar stated as quoted by India Today.

“Do not forget the role of Anil Kumble” : Sunil Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar reminded that one must not forget head coach Anil Kumble’s contribution. The 125-Test veteran reminded that Kumble himself had been a fighter during his playing days, underlining the time he came and bowled with a broken jaw. Hence, the same spirit has imbibed into the Kings XI Punjab players too, resulting in the team remaining in the hunt for a playoffs spot.

“Do not forget the role of Anil Kumble! Anil Kumble has been a fighter all his cricketing career, you could see when he went out with a broken jaw and bowled, and that spirit is seen in the KXIP. That is the reason why they have come back from impossible situations and are now in the hunt for the place in the playoffs,” he added.

Also Read: Aakash Chopra Wishes To See KL Rahul Back In The Test Squad