IPL 2018: 4 things that went wrong for KXIP during the tournament

After having a rollicking start to their IPL campaign, Kings XI Punjab is in a spot of bother to qualify for the playoffs. The side led by Ashwin have lost five games in their last six matches and the thrashing at the hands of Royal Challengers Bangalore has pushed them down to the fifth position in the points table.

RCB chased down the lowest target of 88 IN 8.1 overs which has affected the net run rate immensely for the Kings XI and they have their work cut out to turn things around in their favor.

What went wrong for the Kings XI Punjab in the second half of the tournament? Let’s have a look.

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#1 R Ashwin’s tactics

When Ravi Ashwin was made the captain of the Kings XI, he was keen on being an unpredictable captain and hoped to do different things when his team takes the field. Having had the experience of leading his state, a lot was expected from the 31-year-old and he did well during the first half of the IPL.

Many lauded his decision when he unleashed Chris Gayle against his former team Chennai Super Kings, which proved to be a masterstroke.

However, Ashwin seems to have lost the plot in the later stages of the tournament. The dominance of KL Rahul and Chris Gayle prompted the captain to push Aaron Finch down the order, which isn’t the best position for the Australian. David Miller, who has been a solid middle-order batsman for Punjab over the years, isn’t getting a game, which is a questionable decision.

The swapping between Manoj Tiwary and Yuvraj Singh has unsettled the side which isn’t helping their cause either.

Ashwin made a shocking move by promoting himself to no. 3 against Rajasthan Royals in match 40 of the IPL, and it backfired as the skipper went for nothing and they ended up losing the match by 15 runs with KL Rahul being the lone warrior.

#2 Lack of contribution from the middle order

Chris Gayle and KL Rahul

Kings XI Punjab has a very good mix of international and domestic talents. Whilst KL Rahul and Chris Gayle have been solid at the top and piling up huge runs, the middle order hasn’t come to the fore yet and it’s hurting the chances of Kings XI. Mayank Agarwal, who is coming after a successful Ranji Trophy season, has been disappointing so far, along with his fellow statesman Karun Nair.

Experienced players such as Yuvraj Singh and Manoj Tiwary are having a horrid time with repeated failures and it’s high time they deliver to regain their confidence and better the chances for their franchise.

#4 One week off from the game

Kings XI Punjab

Punjab had a stellar start to their campaign, winning five out of the first six games and had winning momentum in their favor. But a week off from the tournament might have disrupted their rhythm and they are finding it difficult to get back to winning ways.

While other top teams too had day-offs from the tournament, they have regrouped well and kept their winning momentum intact, and that’s where having a good team environment is crucial for a competition like IPL.

However, it isn’t the case with Kings XI Punjab as they have found themselves in a desperate situation to gain points and seal a place in the playoffs.

#4 Indian spinners' poor form

R Ashwin

Ashwin’s form with the white ball has always been a concern in the last few years. The 31-year-old missed the last edition of IPL due to injury and his return to T20 cricket hasn’t been memorable. Ashwin added the leg break to his weaponry to be successful in this format of the game, but it went haywire for the Kings XI skipper which has dented his confidence.

The Ashwin of CSK looked a lot more attacking, going for wickets, but in the past few years, he turned out to be a defensive run containing bowler which isn’t helping the course of his side.

Being the only player to be retained by Kings XI before the auction, a lot was expected from the left-arm spinner but he hasn’t come up with the goods so far for his side. The 24-year-old has taken just 3 wickets in the 7 matches he played and has been in and out of the side frequently.

While Mujeeb Ur Rahman is maintaining constant pressure from one end, he doesn’t have the support at the other end from the Indian spinners. Kings XI would be hoping that the Indian spinners strike form soon to sail them through to the playoffs.