IPL 2019: Chris Gayle, KL Rahul Are a Nightmare for Opposition – Ryan Harris
Apr 19, 2019 at 5:08 PM
Kings XI Punjab bowling coach Ryan Harris believes the opening pair of Chris Gayle and KL Rahul are like a nightmare for the opposition bowlers. Gayle and Rahul have been in sublime form in the ongoing Indian Premier League. They have provided good starts to their team and they have been instrumental in the success of their franchise.
Rahul has scored 387 runs at an average of 64.50 whereas Chris Gayle has scored 352 runs at 50.29. Rahul is the second position whereas Gayle takes the fourth position in the leading run-getters of the tourney.
Gayle and KL Rahul have been in top form.
Furthermore, Mayank Agarwal has also hit the ground running from the word go. He has scored 225 runs at an impressive strike rate of 146.
Ryan Harris said while talking to Times of India, “They are both are talented and experienced players. Wherever Chris (Gayle) goes, he scores runs. I saw his performance against England in England, it was outstanding. He has scored a lot of runs for West Indies. It is all about his confidence which is very high. He gave us (KXIP) a good start. Hope he continues to do so. KL is again another talented and experienced hand for us (KXIP). When they are at the crease, it’s a nightmare for the opposition. At No. 3, we have Mayanka Agarwal who knows how to handle (different) situations”.
Both of these batsmen (KL Rahul and Gayle) are the top run-getters for their franchise, Kings XI Punjab. Rahul relies on timing to get his runs whereas Gayle has sheer power under his belt. The stylish right-hander, Rahul, has even broken into India’s World Cup squad on the back of his good form.
In fact, both of these talisman batsmen had batted at the top of their game in the previous edition of the IPL. KL Rahul was the third highest run-getter of the IPL 2018 as he had scored 659 runs in the season.
Ryan Harris is hopeful that the duo in-form duo can take KXIP to their maiden IPL title.
“I hope so. We are not putting too much pressure on them (KL and Gayle). They are wonderful guys. They can trouble any bowling attack. The form they are in is magnificent. Hope they continue to score lots of runs. We have a bright chance of winning the title”.
On the other hand, Ryan Harris heaped praise on Kings XI Punjab pack leader, Mohammed Shami. The gun fast bowler has bowled with success in the last six months and he is the leading wicket-taker for the franchise with 12 wickets in his bag.
“He is a good performer. He bowls pretty fast. We shouldn’t forget his performance in Australia. That was amazing. His slower ones and tactics are amazing. We have discussed things at the nets. He is talented and a great bowler with great knowledge. Hope he continues to do things he has been doing. I have also seen him helping youngsters at the nets”.
Kings XI Punjab is currently at the fourth position in the points table with four wins and as many losses. Punjab will play their next match against Delhi Capitals on 20th April at Feroz Shah Kotla Stadium.