Those trying to make sense of the IPL table are sure to get bemused. While the Royal Challengers from Bangalore have ambled their way to the upper reaches of the standings, the Kings from Punjab have got used to defeats rather than delighting themselves in a buffet of victories.
After three consecutive ‘away’ defeats, KXIP would regard a return to the familiar surroundings of the PCA Stadium for its contest against RCB on Monday as welcome.
The visitor’s skipper Virat Kohli would understand David Hussey’s joy of homecoming better than most. RCB had lost all its four away games until a 17-run success over Pune Warriors India pushed it into the comfort zone.
Kohli’s team has five matches to go and a victory against Kings would take it closer to a berth in the play-offs. Though the latter has played a game less, another loss on Monday would mean Hussey’s boys, for the fifth season running, will be eliminated before the climactic phase.
Fortunately for Kings, Chris Gayle’s willow has lacked its usual ferocity outside his den in Bangalore. With a highest score of 34, the West Indian has managed just 78 in five ‘away’ contests.
Three home games
The Punjab team, under the leadership of Adam Gilchrist, has won two of its three matches at the PCA Stadium this season and the RCB game will be the first of its three home encounters this week.
The teams in the top half have a near-perfect home record. The schedule has now afforded Kings an opportunity to find its rhythm — sorely missed till now — during the extended stay in Mohali. It will certainly be make-or-break for the side this week.
For RCB, this match has another significance. Having finally won an ‘away’ game, another victory on Monday would remove the cobwebs of doubt that seem to encircle the team every time it plays outside its fortress (Bangalore). A defeat will only dent its progress, but for Kings, it would be curtains.
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