The Kings XI Punjab was one of the strong contenders of the title in the 12th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL). They could have made it to the playoffs if they have won a few more matches. Though, they had reached the final only once in 2014. This year Royal Challengers Bangalore first knocked out of the league and then Punjab followed them despite showing a superb performance in their last game. However, Punjab’s co-owner Preity Zinta sent a message to the fans.
Not the end to the tournament we expected but happy to end with a win. I want to thank all the @lionsdenkxip fans for their constant support through all the seasons 🙏 Next year we will be back better & stronger. #saddasquad
— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) May 5, 2019
Earlier Kings XI Punjab failed many times. But this time they started really well under the captaincy of Ravichandran Ashwin. They won their first four games out of six but failed to keep that momentum on and ended at the sixth position in the points table, securing the win in only six matches in total. After getting a steady start, they lost six games out of the last 8.
Read here: Virat Kohli thanks the RCB fans for their support on Twitter
Though they were performing well, their season was all about controversies as well. Prior to the season, they didn’t have the sponsors. Then Ashwin’s ‘Mankading’ made a huge controversy in the cricketing circle and later Ness Wadia, their co-owners has been arrested in Japan for having drugs. While Bangalore has finished at the last in the point table with 11 points, Punjab secured 12 points. Along with them, Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders also knocked out of the tournament.
Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, Delhi Capitals and Sunriers Hyderabad have qualified for the playoffs which will start from May 7 while the final is scheduled to be played on May 12 in Hyderabad.
