After Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) got knocked out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020, former Indian opener Aakash Chopra pointed out that Chris Gayle’s slow inning added up pressure on the captain KL Rahul which eventually led to losing his wicket.

While speaking on his YouTube Channel, Aakash Chopra observed that although Mayank Agarwal gave a fiery start to Kings XI Punjab, KL Rahul and Chris Gayle could not carry on the momentum.

The Universe Boss consumed 19 balls but scored 12 runs while Rahul trying to release pressure played a bad shot and got out. Consecutively, Pooran and then Gayle got out.

Aakash Chopra added that KXIP, who was looking to qualify for playoffs, had derailed after their last defeat against RR.

“Gayle playing slowly put the pressure on KL Rahul and he played a bad shot to get out. Pooran got out while playing a shot as well and then Gayle also got out. So the campaign which was seeming to fly, crash-landed suddenly as KXIP lost to RR earlier and couldn’t reach a good total in this contest,” Aakash Chopra said.

Deepak Hooda played an excellent knock: Aakash Chopra

When KXIP was down for five wickets, Deepak Hooda came to rescue and went berserk against CSK bowlers, scoring 62* runs off 30 balls. His sensational knock helped KXIP to post 154 runs target, but it was not enough to help them to secure a berth in the playoffs, observed the renowned commentator.

“Deepak Hooda saved them a few blushes as he played an excellent knock, 62 runs off 30 balls. He took KXIP beyond 150 but was that going to be enough. Not at all,” Aakash Chopra added.

Rituraj Gaikwad dented KXIP’s plan as he remained unbeaten and registered his third-half century in a row. He scored 62 runs off 49 balls to end CSK’s campaign on high.

CSK, KXIP along RR has been knocked out of the playoff race while KKR, RCB, DC and SRH are still fighting for the place.