The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021 season saw a vintage show from KL Rahul as his splendid knock of 98 in just 42 balls inspired Punjab Kings (PBKS) to a stunning six-victory over Chennai Super Kings in Dubai. PBKS chased a target of 135 in just 13 overs to finish the league stage of their campaign with six wins and 12 points on the tally.
It was Rahul’s innings that caught the attention of the cricketing world as he showcased a display of his old fearless stuff by attacking the CSK bowlers from the first over of the chase to leave them with no chance to making a comeback. By the end of the chase, Rahul finished with a strike rate of 233.38. He hit seven boundaries and eight 6’s through the course of the innings.
As a result of this knock, Rahul regained the Orange Cap by becoming IPL 2021’s highest run-scorer. Currently, he has 626 runs to his name this season at a splendid average of 62.60. With Ruturaj Gaikwad likely to get at least two more games in the playoffs, it will be interesting to see who ends as the season’s leading run-getter.
Despite the romping victory, PBKS are unlikely to find a place in the playoffs. They will need Kolkata Knight Riders to suffer a heavy defeat to Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians to lose against Sunrisers Hyderabad in order to make the knockout stages.
However, Rahul’s form will come as a welcome relief to fans of Indian cricket with the T20 World Cup approaching. Over the last few years, the PBKS skipper has faced criticism over his strike rate despite getting a volume of runs consistently.
Since the 2018 season where he got scored 659 runs at a strike rate of 158.41, Rahul has batted significantly slower. However, today’s knock will give Indian fans hope that he will play like his natural self for the national team.
