KXIP coach Mike Hesson confident of reaching playoffs
What's the story
Kings XI Punjab slumped to a five-wicket loss against Delhi Capitals on Saturday in the ongoing 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
KXIP have shared the spoils with five wins and five losses out of 10 matches played this season.
They have four more games to go as the race for playoffs qualification heats up.
Here's more.
DC vs KXIP
DC beat KXIP at the Kotla
On Saturday, no KXIP batsmen went on to support veteran Chris Gayle (69).
He played a lone hand as the side kept losing wickets.
R Ashwin and Harpreet Brar's cameos helped them get past 160.
Hosts Delhi lost Prithvi Shaw early on, but Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas Iyer took command.
Their match-winning fifties helped the side chase down the target.
Words
The destiny is in our own hands: Hesson
KXIP coach Mike Hesson believes that the destiny is in their own hands as far the qualification for the playoffs are concerned.
"The destiny is in our own hands and, when we come to the back end of the tournament, that's what you want. And you know that if you play well you give yourself good chance of winning," he said post KXIP's loss.
Our take
KXIP cannot afford to slip up any further
KXIP are fourth at the moment, but things could change quickly with teams like Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders in the mix.
KXIP cannot afford to lose majority of their last four matches.
Their consistency level is missing and it could be a difficult task.
KXIP will need to work together as a unit and regain focus.
An important job lies ahead.
Quote
Hesson feels KXIP have played well in IPL 2019
"We played good cricket and there was probably only one game, in which we were a bit disappointing, and that was against RCB when we were below our own standards, but outside of that we have actually played very well, I think," said Hesson.