Despite losing two of their first three IPL 2020 matches, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) are looked upon as one of the most lethal sides in the tournament. The primary reason behind the Punjab side’s success in the batting department has been the form of their two prolific openers– skipper KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal.

Rahul and Mayank Agarwal have been single-handedly driving KXIP’s batting unit, which was evident in their recent defeat against Mumbai Indians. While chasing a daunting 192 for victory, KXIP could only manage 143 on the board after the Rahul-Mayank duo failed to stitch prolonged knocks.

Mayank was dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah for 25 off 18 balls and Rahul fell soon after to Rahul Chahar for 17 off 19. Nonetheless, the Punjab franchise is still touted as one of the favourites to qualify for this year’s Playoffs.

KXIP skipper Rahul, after his impressive stint with the national side, has also been delivering for his IPL team. The Karnataka lad has been in fantastic form in IPL 2020, and his unbeaten 132 against RCB was the highest score by an Indian and also the highest score of a captain in the IPL.

Mayank Agarwal has also grown as a cricketer: Sanjay Bangar

While leading from the front, Rahul has hit a purple patch, gaining praises from several members of the cricket fraternity. Former India all-rounder and batting coach Sanjay Bangar also lauded Rahul and compared him with RCB star AB de Villiers. According to Bangar, Rahul is India’s answer to the South African phenomenon. “Everyone calls AB de Villiers Mr 360, I’d like to say KL Rahul is India’s 360,” Bangar said on Star Sports.

Along with Rahul, Bangar also heaped praise on Mayank, saying that the 29-year-old has evolved as a cricketer. “He’s grown as a cricketer. He now believes he can win matches and he has done that he has single-handedly taken KXIP to match-winning positions this year,” Bangar further said.

Mayank and Rahul are currently in the race to clinch the Orange Cap this year. Mayank currently is leading the charts with 246 runs in 4 matches at an impressive average of 61.50 and a strike rate of 166.21. Rahul isn’t far behind as he has scored 239 runs in as many matches at a staggering average of 79.66 and a strike rate of 148.44. One impressive fact is that both the stalwarts have scored centuries so far in the tournament.

“Until and unless that orange cap stays with Kings XI I’m happy. He’s (Agarwal) worked very hard and deserves that cap. I’m sure I’ll take it off him soon,” Rahul had said about the competition to win the Orange Cap.