DD vs KXIP Star Wars: Rishabh Pant vs Chris Gayle

These two left-handers and remarkable six hitters will lock horns on Monday.

A key ingredient in match-turning knocks is the presence of numerous sixes. A cluster of sixes at any particular juncture of a contest can turn it on its head, or at least change the feel of it. If repeated for the better part of a team’s innings, it deflates the opposition.

The two left-handers Rishabh Pant and Chris Gayle possess this ability in spades; both batsmen have showcased their six-hitting prowess. While Pant attracted comparisons with the Yuvraj Singh of prime with his 48-ball 85 on Saturday, Gayle compelled Virender Sehwag to quip he had saved the IPL with his inclusion after hitting purple patch with a series of trademark assaults. Gayle has already hit the most number of sixes in the league so far — 21.

Pant and Gayle are in form, too. On Saturday, Pant lit up the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru with his power-packed knock, while Gayle has scores of 63, 104*, and 62* in his last three matches.

Alongside others, the spotlight will certainly be on the batting duo when Delhi Daredevils hosts Kings XI Punjab on Monday.