IPL 2018: Brad Hodge hails two KXIP players for their incredible form

Kings XI Punjab had a good first half in the tournament. Having won five out of the seven games, they’re already in the reckoning for the playoffs stage. Their batting, as well as their bowling, has stepped up at crucial moments to ensure some fantastic results from their end.

The KXIP management in the form of team director Virender Sehwag and coach Brad Hodge also seems to have done wonders. During a recent interaction, Hodge lauded Chris Gayle and hailed him as the greatest in the world. He also spoke about how Ashwin’s captaincy was a game changer alongside showing confidence in Yuvraj Singh.

Gayle is an absolute legend of the game

Chris Gayle has been the man of the moment for Kings XI Punjab. The franchise brought him after he went unsold in the first two rounds. With 252 runs in the 4 games he has played, the Universe Boss has already displayed some magnificent form. Hodge felt that missing the first two games might have hurt him. He went on to call him as the greatest in the world.

“Sometimes you need to challenge the greatest in the world. Gayle had to sit out in a couple of games and that must have hurt a champion like him. Even before the start of the tournament, Gayle had shown a great attitude and no one can ever question his class and ability. He is an absolute legend of the game,” He was quoted as saying by DNA.

Youngster Mujeeb has been exceptional 

The 18-year-old spinner from Afghanistan has caught everyone’s attention with his splendid bowling. Alongside praising Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Hodge also lauded the skipper for being encouraging. He stated that Ashwin had a huge hand in changing player’s attitudes.

“Mujeeb has shown a great level of composure. At such young age, he has confidence in his abilities. I would also give credit to Ashwin’s leadership skills. He has been very encouraging. Good leaders help talented players get to the next level,”

The day Yuvraj does well, he will be devastating 

Veteran Yuvraj Singh hasn’t been at his best. After scoring 50 runs in the first six games, the left-hander made way for Manoj Tiwary in the playing XI. Hodge asserted that Yuvraj had looked good in the practice games and it was only a matter of time before he got into the groove.

“I certainly don’t believe that Yuvraj is out of form. In the two practice games, he had scores of 120 and 80. As a coach, the sound of the ball hitting the sweet spot is the most important thing. So what I have seen of Yuvraj, he has been hitting the ball really well. He has the burning ambition to do well and the day it happens, he will be devastating,” Hodge concluded.

[interaction id=”5ae894f017f3376705c3f7c7″]