The second match of IPL 2020 between Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab went down to the wire. Kings XI Punjab had the match in their grab when they required only one run off the last three balls. Mayank Agarwal was batting on 89 off 58 balls and he was expected to get his team over the line.
Stoinis bowled a dot and then Agarwal went for the glory shot, only to hole out to Shimron Hetmyer. On the last ball, Kagiso Rabada took a sharp catch to take the match into the Super Over.
However, Kings XI Punjab decided to bat KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran and Glenn Maxwell in the Super Over. There was no Mayank Agarwal, who was striking the ball cleanly, in the Super Over. Consequently, it was all surprising for the cricket boffins.
Only reason which is speculated that Agarwal didn’t come out to bat was that he was exhausted after his knock of 60 balls. It was noticed that the Karnataka batsman was breathing heavily after he had run a few doubles with Chris Jordan.
However, KXIP had to pay the price for not sending Mayank Agarwal. KL Rahul was dismissed on the second ball by Kagiso Rabada and then the South African dismissed Nicholas Pooran for a duck, which was his second of the match. KXIP could only face three balls and scored two runs. Thus, it was always going to be a cakewalk for the Capitals.
The on-air commentators were all flabbergasted at KXIP strategy of not sending Mayank Agarwal.
Simon Doull said, “I can only put this decision down to Mayank Agarwal being tired. Mayank Agarwal, tired, exhausted, has stayed in the dressing room.”
Kevin Pietersen was also not impressed by Punjab’s decision. “Magnificent bowling from a magnificent cricketer [Kagiso Rabada], but I don’t think it was a magnificent decision for Mayank Agarwal not to bat. There was enough of a break for him to come out and bat for Kings XI. Not sure the decision was right.”
Aakash Chopra said, “I have huge questions in mind on what KXIP was doing. The match was in your grasp. Mayank Agarwal played amazingly well but why didn’t you send him to bat in the Super Over.”
It was a surprising call from Kings XI Punjab of not sending their best batsman to bat in the Super Over. Anil Kumble is the head coach and one doesn’t expect such mistakes from the veteran of the game.
Kings XI Punjab will play their next match against Royal Challengers Bangalore on 24th September at Dubai International Stadium.
