We have already witnessed a couple of exciting knocks so far in the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in the UAE. As we approach the second week, former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has picked Kings XI Punjab skipper KL Rahul as the No.1 batsman of IPL 2020.
After a couple of swashbuckling IPL seasons, Rahul has once again IPL 2020 on a bang. And by the looks, he has shouldered the captaincy responsibilities well in the ongoing season. The batsman from Karnataka scored an extraordinary century against Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Rahul is No.1 batsman of IPL 2020 – Gambhir
KL Rahul smacked 132 runs off just 69 deliveries taking the bowlers to cleaners. His unbeaten century powered Kings XI Punjab to 206 ensuring Punjab’s first win of the season. Meanwhile, the innings earned KL Rahul praise from all quarters.
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Former West Indies bowler Ian Bishop, on ESPNCricinfo’s T20 Timeout show, showered heaps of praise on the talented batsman. Calling him a complete batsman, Bishop said that his balance standouts.
“The way he balanced his innings was great. I was sitting there watching those first 50 runs, and outside of the powerplay I was thinking ‘geez, he is just settling there, not anchor it, but looking to balance it’. And I think he did that beautifully.
Forget the chances, the way he accelerated towards the end, having batting that deep in the innings, I think it makes him a complete batsman,” he added.
Echoing the same words, Gautam Gambhir went ahead to call KL Rahul as the No.1 players of the ongoing IPL. The former India cricketer also praised him heavily right after his knock on social media. Rahul will look to keep up his form as Punjab hunt for their maiden IPL trophy.
“I have to agree with Ian Bishop that in IPL, he is probably the no. 1 player at the moment,” Gambhir said.
Kings XI Punjab take on Steve Smith-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) next on Sunday (September 27).