Punjab and Kochi battle to keep play-off hopes alive

Updated on: 13 May,2011 07:52 AM IST |
Agencies |

On a high after upstaging table-toppers Mumbai Indians, Kings XI Punjab would seek to keep their slim hopes of making the IPL play-offs alive when they take on an equally desperate Kochi Tuskers

On a high after upstaging table-toppers Mumbai Indians, Kings XI Punjab would seek to keep their slim hopes of making the IPL play-offs alive when they take on an equally desperate Kochi Tuskers Kerala in an Indian Premier League (IPL) match here at the Holkar Stadium today.

Adam Gilchrist

Kings XI Punjab's unexpected victory over MI gave a fresh lease of life to their floundering campaign. Skipper Adam Gilchrist, Paul Valthaty and Shaun Marsh will again hold the key to Punjab's fortunes. It is also equally important for Dinesh Karthik and David Hussey to regain form in the middle-order. On the bowling front, left-arm spinner Bhargav Bhatt would be riding high on confidence after his four-wicket haul against Mumbai. Praveen Kumar has also had a decent run. Given the situation Punjab finds itself in, they will have to be consistent on every front to have any chance of progressing.

Kochi, on the other hand, have been unpredictable. Mahela Jayawardene's men have floundered in batting on numerous occasions despite having big-hitters such as Brad Hodge and Brendon McCullum in their ranks. R P Singh has been a major letdown in the bowling department.