IPL 10: Hashim Amla credits Glenn Maxwell for KXIP turnaround this season

The Kings XI Punjab have had two very disappointing seasons of the IPL in the last two years. They ended up with the wooden spoon for two consecutive years. The way their form dwindled in the ongoing edition certainly gave them a brief scare this time around. However, some spirited performances have got them back in contention for the playoffs. Opener Hashim Amla has been a key member in helping bring this change of fortunes for KXIP.

Recently, the South African batting maestro recently spoke at length about his game plan and the way team has been shaping up this season. He credited the newly appointed skipper Glenn Maxwell for the massive change that the team has seen this year in their intent. Hashim Amla went on to quote that Maxwell has kept the KXIP campaign alive this season.

“Maxi has been very good this year. If you look at the IPL each season then most teams have had ups and downs and its never smooth sailing. For us Glenn Maxwell has done well and kept our campaign alive and on track. We have had ups and downs and we are learning from every game and with that we are trying to find the right combination. But yeah Maxwell’s been good and brought the best out of us,” quoted Hashim Amla as per the quotes in the Indian Express.

Despite not being a power hitting of the ball, Amla has still been very successful in the shortest format of the game. Many players believe that there needs certain adaptations in order to succeed in the shortest format. However, Amla begs to differ. He noted that all formats are same for him. He cited that despite not being powerhitters, players like Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli have also been successful in T20 cricket.

“For me no changes are required as T20 has been there for long now and from each season I learn a lot. But for this season no extra changes. Guys like Kane and Virat and AB to some extent, are those who can clear the ropes and play proper cricket shots to get runs. So it shows that one should play the ball according to its merit and can still keep scoring runs,” remarked the Proteas batsman.

Elaborating on the boxes that needs to be ticked to be successful in T20 format, Hashim Amla pointed out that the basics need to be right. Also, he remarked the IPL to be a lot busier than the other T20 leagues. He loves the atmosphere at the IPL and is happy to be a part of the roster with KXIP this season.

“Teams who have been most consistent on these three platforms have done well and been successful. If you look at the top teams you can’t say they are batting heavy or bowling heavy. We have had excelled with the bat at times and sometimes with ball. But our formula for success is to deliver a good all-round performance,” Amla conceded.

“The IPL is a lot busier, games are pretty close (happening one after the other). The crowds are brilliant and nowhere else do you get such crowds on a consistent basis. So its really enjoyable out here,” Amla conceded further.