Kevin Pietersen tips Punjab Kings as IPL "dark horses"

Punjab got their campaign off to a thrilling, successful start on Monday, beating Rajasthan Royals by four runs in a high-scoring encounter

Former England batsman Kevin Pietersen has backed Punjab Kings to emerge as “dark horses” in this year’s Indian Premier League.

Pietersen, who represented Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Daredevils and Rising Pune Supergiant in his own IPL career, suggested that Anil Kumble’s side, formerly known as Kings XI Punjab, could spring a surprise in this year’s tournament as competition to serial winners Mumbai Indians.

Punjab got their campaign off to a thrilling, successful start on Monday, beating Rajasthan Royals by four runs in a high-scoring encounter. Significant run-scoring contributions from KL Rahul, Chris Gayle and Deepak Hooda were almost eclipsed by a fine hundred from Rajasthan captain Sanju Samson, but fine death bowling from Arshdeep Singh clinched victory.

“Mumbai Indians will always be the favourites because of their pedigree,” said Pietersen, speaking to Betway.

“They have won four of the last six IPLs and come in with some of the best players once again. I’m really interested to see how the Punjab Kings go, though.

“Last year they lost that one Super Over at the start of the competition and it seemed to set them back, but their form at the end of the season was decent.

“KL Rahul and Chris Gayle are very impressive options at the top and they’ve spent lots of money on the Aussie quick Jhye Richardson. I think they might be the dark horses this year.”

Richardson proved expensive in their opening win, as did fellow Australian seamer Riley Meredith. A run to the playoff phase would be a major boost for a franchise that has failed to make the end-of-season cut on 11 out of 13 occasions.

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