Rejuvenated KXIP aim to settle scores with confident Delhi Capitals

DUBAI: After a memorable double Super Over win against reigning champions Mumbai Indians (MI), a rejuvenated Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will aim to carry their momentum and keep their chances of making it to the playoffs alive when they meet table toppers Delhi Capitals (DC) here on Tuesday.

Led by KL Rahul, KXIP held their nerves in the heart-stopping contest at the same venue, Dubai International Stadium. The win would have surely boosted the morale of KXIP and the squad would aim to replicate the performance against Shreyas Iyer's men, who are currently atop the table with 14 points.

The sole problem with KXIP has been their failure to click as a unit, barring Rahul and opener Mayank Agarwal. The others have not supported them as they should have.

The Punjab batting lineup has surely been strengthened after the inclusion of Chris Gayle in the playing XI. But the others, especially West Indian Nicholas Pooran and Australian Glenn Maxwell, are yet to step up and be counted.

On the other hand, despite enduring several injuries to their players -- like Ishant Sharma, Amit Mishra, and Rishab Pant -- DC have displayed consistency.

Opener Shikhar Dhawan has finally regained his form while Iyer has continued to lead from the front.

Prithvi Shaw has failed in the previous two outings and needs to get back on track as early as possible. Ajinkya Rahane, too, needs to step up as being one of the most dependable batsmen of his side, he has failed to make an impact in the limited opportunities he has got.

In the bowling department, Kagiso Rabada is in superb form and has received good support from compatriot Anrich Nortje. The duo would once again aim to create havoc in the KXIP lineup.

Meanwhile, experienced spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Patel will share the spin workload, and with the wickets in the UAE getting on the slower side, a lot would depend on the duo.

The last time the two teams met this season, DC defeated KXIP in a Super Over thriller and Rahul's KXIP would be eager to settle scores on Tuesday. IANS

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