After conceding 52 runs in the first six overs, KXIP announced a remarkable comeback as in the next six overs, the side gave away just 25 runs and took three wickets.
Disappointed that his team lost despite putting up an improved performance, Kings XI Punjab spinner Piyush Chawla said explosive batsman Chris Gayle was the decisive difference between the hosts and the visiting Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL match in Mohali.
Injury and poor form made it a forgettable IPL for Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman but the time away from the field was well spent as he picked on Kings XI Punjab captain Ravichandran Ashwin's brains ahead of the World Cup in England.
Images from Sunday's IPL match between Delhi Capitals and Kings XI Punjab in Dubai.
Kings XI Punjab spinner Axar Patel knows he can be predictable after a couple of seasons at the highest level and that is why he will be seen tossing up the odd ball during the upcoming IPL and not rely only on flatter deliveries. "You expect top batsmen to read you well after two three seasons at this level and that is why I felt the need to add more variety to my bowling. I am tossing up the odd ball in training but it doesn't mean I will only do that. I will continue bowling the flatters ones and try to mix it with the odd flighted ball," Patel told PTI from Mohali where he is training alongside his Kings XI Punjab teammates. The season starting on April 9 is crucial for Patel, who has been sidelined from the Indian team after the return of senior pro Ravindra Jadeja and another left-arm spinner Pawan Negi getting the selectors' nod over him for the recently concluded World T20. Though the 22-year-old was part of India's 50-over squad in Australia, he did not get a game and last played for the country in October. But the spinner, who is often criticised for not turning the ball enough, is not perturbed by the selectors' snub.