Kings XI Punjab ended their campaign in the 11th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on a disappointing note despite having a whirlwind start to the tournament.
In the 14 league matches of IPL 2018, KXIP won six and lost eight games under the captaincy of Ravichandran Ashwin. At the end of the tournament, Punjab was placed at the second last spot on the IPL Points Tally with 12 points.
However, despite Punjab’s lacklustre performance in the second half of the tournament, KXIP’s wicket-keeper batsman Lokesh Rahul stood out with his exceptional performance.
Talking to KXIP.in, KL Rahul talked about Ravichandran Ashwin’s captaincy and his favourite moment in IPL 2018.
“Obviously, it was a bit up and down because of the results but, we had a good time together. The first half was obviously a great way to start the tournament. And unfortunate for us and the captain that the second half did not go our way. But, yeah it was a great learning and I am sure it was a great experience for him (Ashwin) as a captain,” said Rahul.
“Handling a young team is never easy, but, I think he did a great job. He’s given a lot of feedback to the players, what he thinks about where they can improve so these boys will definitely come back stronger, and his leadership would have helped a lot of players, a lot of bowlers, especially,” said the stylish opener.
KL Rahul scored 659 runs in 14 games, he was also the highest run scorer for KXP in the tournament. KL Rahul’s average in IPL 2018 was 54.91 and he was also third highest run-getter overall. In the opening game of Punjab against Delhi Daredevils, Rahul scored fastest fifty of IPL ever.
When Rahul was asked about his favourite moment in the league, he said, “I think it’s the first game when I got a 14-ball 50. It was absolutely unbelievable! I completely outdid myself there.”
“I still am amazed that I got the fastest fifty in the IPL ever and it kind of set the tone for the reason of the season as well. I am grateful for a lot of things this season. I have made great friends along the way, great memories, there has been a lot of learning,” The dashing opener concluded