IPL 2018: 5 Positives for Kings XI Punjab against Delhi Daredevils

The Mohali-based side is one of the few teams that have never won the IPL trophy but KXIP are among the favourites this season after picking some interesting players in the Auctions.

Kings XI Punjab have started their IPL season brilliantly and won their first match of the tournament against Delhi Daredevils. They outclassed their northern rivals in every aspect of the game and comfortably added two points to their name.

Their overall gameplay was good and they worked really hard as a unit but, there are certain things that went right for them and contributed heavily to their win.

Right on this note, let us look at the five positives for KXIP in their victory against DD.

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#5 KL Rahul's wicket-keeping

KL Rahul did well with the gloves.

Kings XI Punjab found themselves in the middle of a lot of criticism when they picked just KL Rahul as their wicket-keeper for the IPL 2018. The Karnataka man is just a part-time wicketkeeper and doesn't have much experience with the gloves.

Against DD, Rahul had a decent game with the gloves and looked sharp behind the wickets. Although he lost concentration on some occasions, he will improve with the game time. He nearly sent Colin Munro back to the pavilion when he quickly collected the ball before stumping him.

It is hard to find a good wicket-keeper who can also make an impact with the bat but KXIP have certainly got their perfect two-in-one man.

#4 Mujeeb Ur Zadran debut

Mujeeb Ur Zadran had a dream debut

Afganistan have become a surprise producer of quality spinners and Mujeeb Ur Zadran is the latest one to come through the ranks of the emerging Asian powerhouse.

He is the youngest player to ever feature in the VIVO IPL and has managed to impress in his very first game of the tournament. He took the wicket of the dangerous Colin Munro with his mystery spin and also sent the highly rated Rishab Pant back to the pavilion.

Mujeeb is young and needs some time to settle in one of the most competitive leagues in the world but with the talents the teenager has got, he could prove to be a real asset for Punjab this campaign.

#3 Winning start to the season

Promising times at Mohali

Kings XI Punjab have often been criticized for starting their season poorly and this gave them a lot to do during the concluding matches of the group stage.

This year, however, they started their season on a positive note and saw off DD comfortably in their first game of the season. Everything from the bowling to batting to fielding was impressive in their win and things are now looking promising for them.

Kings XI Punjab have never won the IPL title but they are among the favourites this term out and can build on their winning start of the season.

#2 Ashwin's captainship

Ashwin impressed with his leadership qualities

Kings XI Punjab got a bit of stick from their fans when they announced Ravichandran Ashwin as their captain for the IPL 2018. They had the options like Yuvraj Singh and Aaron Finch who are more experienced as captains, but they stuck with the former CSK spinner.

Ashwin showed a lot of promise as a captain in Kings XI Punjab's win against Delhi Daredevils and now it looks like KXIP have made a right call. His decision to go with the spinners in the powerplay proved vital in their win and also it didn't give DD batsmen to settle in the game.

He also preserved his bowlers for the crucial moments and handled the debutant, Muzeeb Ur Rehman brilliantly.

Ravi Ashwin is off with a good start and he is likely to improve with experience. Subsequently, KXIP may ponder their chances of winning the first IPL title.

#1 KL Rahul's knock

KL Rahul played brilliant knock

KL Rahul is one of the few batsmen who has scored international centuries on all formats of the game but didn't get many chances in the Indian squad.

The Mangalore born batsman has proved his worth with RCB before being picked up by Kings XI Punjab for a whopping ₹11 crores in this year's auction. He lived up to the expectations of the north-based franchise with a quick fire 51 in his debut match for the team. He set the record of scoring the fastest fifty in the IPL history, which came in just 14 balls.

KXIP had struggled with their openers during the previous editions of the tournament. But with Aaron Finch likely to be available for their next match and KL Rahul also showing a massive potential, they might just have found the perfect combination.