IPL 2016: KXIP better than what the numbers indicate, says Kyle Abbott

Kings XI Punjab bowler Kyle Abbott feels that in a lengthy tournament like the IPL, losing a few matches in the beginning does not mean the end for the team as they have performed better than what the numbers on the league table indicate.

The finalists of the seventh edition of the tournament are currently at the bottom of the table, with just two wins from seven matches, but Abbott feels they are slowly climbing up after they defeated the table toppers Gujarat Lions at Rajkot on May 1.

"We are probably better than the results we have to show at the moment. It is important to get off to a good start and unfortunately we did not. It is also a tournament that allows you to almost have that kind of a start," said Abbott ahead of their match against Kolkata Knight Riders.

He then cited Mumbai Indians as an example, talking about their sudden splurge in the tournament last year though they lost the first few matches. MI also raced to the second position on the table and defeated Chennai Super Kings in the finals, winning their second IPL title.

"Last year Mumbai Indians didn't start off well but took off later and this year they have done it again. They didn't start well but at the moment they are sitting comfortably at the top of the table."

"Although it is important to get momentum and get off to a good start though the tournament allows you a bit of grace to find your rhythm later on. We still have seven games left and all to play for to get into those playoffs position," Abbott said.

Opening batsman Murali Vijay was made the skipper of the team after David Miller was axed for his poor form. Abbott feels positive about his new captain and said that Vijay has always been fully involved with the side.

"It has been a smooth transition. Vijay is a senior player and even when Miller was the captain, he always had something to say as a senior player should. He always got involved. It has carried on normally. It is just a different voice now.

"He always put in his opinion and I think he is going to do well in the next couple of games and the guys are behind him. We are looking forward to it."

Abbott also backed Miller and Glenn Maxwell, the explosive duo who have been going through a slump in their batting performance. He said that it was not a result of their lack of practice, but just an unfortunate form during the crucial phase of the tournament.

"I am sure they are going to come alright and we have seen glimpses of it. Miller has batted nicely and he has shown glimpses of it here and there. Maxwell has got that fifty obviously finishing a game for us at home," he said, hoping to see better performances from them in the rest of the tournament. Maxwell has been a backbone for the team, leading them to victory on a number of occasions.

Hashim Amla has been roped in by the franchise as the replacement for the injured Shaun Marsh. The ace South African batsman will be featuring in the tournament for the first time.

Sitting at the bottom of the table with just four points, KXIP will be taking on KKR, who are third on the points table, at the Eden Gardens today.