IPL 2018: 3 players responsible for KXIP's decline in form

After a thunderous start to IPL 2018, Kings XI Punjab are struggling for momentum. At one stage, they were challenging Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad for a top-two finish. They won five of their first six games this season and were almost certain to make the playoffs.

However, things have changed drastically in recent weeks as they have lost five of their last six games. They are currently fifth in the table and will have to fight against the likes of in-form Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore for a top-four finish. They have to win all their remaining games to have any chance of qualifying for the playoffs.

The form of some of their key players has shown a steady decline in recent weeks. Other than KL Rahul, Andrew Tye, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman, none of their players have made any sort of contributions in the last few games.

On that note, let’s take a look at the players who have caused Kings XI’s decline in form.

#3 Ravichandran Ashwin

Bought for a huge Rs 7.6 crores in the 2018 auction, Ashwin was made the captain of Kings XI Punjab before the start of the 2018 campaign. His captaincy career got off to a great start as Punjab won five of their first six games.

The 31-year-old took five wickets in the first five games and bowled well. However, his performances declined as the season progressed. In the next seven games, he took only one wicket and conceded a lot of runs.

He was put under a lot of pressure and made some poor decisions as a captain. He chopped and changed his batting order quite often and never allowed players to settle in the team.

Top order batsman Aaron Finch batted lower down the order and was never given a continuous run in the team. Players like Marcus Stoinis and Axar Patel were not utilized well as well.

#2 Karun Nair

Karun Nair has failed to fulfill his potential this season

Karun Nair’s poor form has cost Kings XI Punjab a lot this season. After a brilliant 50 in his first game of the season, Karun failed to make any substantial contributions for Punjab throughout the 2018 campaign.

His last five scores read 22, 31, 3, 3, and 1. Though Kings XI were winning games early in the season, it was all because of the individual brilliance of KL Rahul and Chris Gayle. Their middle order was rarely tested as the Kings XI openers finished the games on their own.

When Gayle struggled for runs, Kings XI needed Karun Nair to step up and shoulder the responsibility. But the 26-year-old crumbled under pressure and failed to inspire his team.

Bought for a whopping Rs 5.6 crores in the 2018 auction, Karun has failed miserably and as a result, Kings XI's middle order has also struggled.

#1 Chris Gayle

Gayle started well this season but soon faded away

Chris Gayle’s IPL got off to a blistering start when he scored four fifties in his first five games. The Jamaican left-hander was brilliant at the top and formed a deadly opening partnership with KL Rahul.

He scored a stunning hundred against the table toppers Sunrisers Hyderabad and won a couple of games on his own. However, his form has deteriorated in the last few games. His last four scores read 8, 1, 21, and 18.

He was troubled by pace in the last few games and struggled to score runs. His failure at the top has put lots of pressure on Punjab's weak middle order.