05 May,2009 08:11 AM IST | | Iqbal Khan
Kings XI's Abdulla using all his local knowledge to get one-up on Rajasthan
Losing to the Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday must have hurt Yuvraj's Singh's Kings XI Punjab immensely.
Just how much this side, who were on a roll they had won three on the trot prior to that loss, has recovered from the dip, only time will tell.
The Kings XI Punjab are back at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead today for their Indian Premier League tie against a re-aligned and rejuvenated Rajasthan Royals, led by the wily Shane Warne. "Losing hurts a lot especially when you know that you've worked hard and have been holding all the aces in the match. We've been playing well and all our disciplines have been above par. We need to put points on the board and the only way we can do that is win matches. That's what we want to do when we return to Kingsmead," Yuvraj said.
Kings XI got the better of cellar team Kolkata Knight Riders in Port Elizabeth on Sunday. But there's news for Yuvraj from the Rajasthan Royals the way they destroyed the Deccan Chargers after struggling at the start of their innings when they had lost three wickets is testimony of their determination to retain the crown they won in Mumbai last year.
Warne's inspirational leadership can out-manoeuvre the best of captains in this competition and he will do his best to lay the traps for the Kings XI Punjab in a clash which both side desperately need to win to qualify for the Top Four.
On a roll
In his attack, Yuvraj has a bowler, who has lived up to his reputation as the best swing bowler in the competition u2013 Yusuf Abdulla.
The Nashua Dolphins quick bowler had 13 wickets before yesterday's game against Kolkata Knight Riders and was handed the "purple cap" after his 4-36 against Bangalore Royals Challengers.
Before heading for Port Elizabeth, Abdulla said: "For me, it's an honour to play for the Kings XI. The confidence they have shown in my ability is what pleases me most.
"That's why I put in a little extra as we want to win this competition.
"I'm using all my local knowledge to our advantage to get the breaks and win matches. This is a tough competition make no mistake that's why you see the ups and downs after each day's play.
"All we are doing is concentrating on what we do best that way we will win the game."
Abdulla has certainly spoken u2013 on the field and off the field u2013 but what he wants most is a win for his side and a couple wickets to his credit.
Pathan magic
In the Rajasthan side, the man who poses the biggest dander to the Kings XI is Yusuf Pathan, who was dropped down the order against the Deccan Chargers.
His ability as an outstanding all-rounder in this format is well documented. "He's the man," Warne said. "He can turn a game on its head u2013 with his batting and bowling. We will look to him to lead the charge."
Meanwhile Virender Sehwag, who missed the Delhi Daredevils game against the Chennai Super Kings at the weekend, is expected to return to their side for the match against the Knight Riders. Gautam Gambhir led the side but it did not seem as if he really enjoyed leadership which in effect resulted in a poor batting display.u00a0 In their last game at Kingsmead they were outstanding against the Bangalore Royals Challengers.
It was in that game that AB de Villiers, who scored a first ball duck at the weekend, scored a rapid century.
The Daredevils will bank on the South African and Sehwag u2013 if he is fit u2013 to give them the lift against the beleaguered Knight Riders, who are propping up the table.
