After a number of flops, some of them inexplicable ones, Kings XI Punjab have finally managed to get some winning momentum. But are they good enough to soar higher? To do that they have to pull down the highflying Delhi Capitals in Dubai on Tuesday.

Graced by the return to action of Chris “Universe Boss” Gayle, Kings XI have successfully closed out games in their last two outings, something they had failed to do on more than one occasion this season. But then, both their wins were tense affairs.

Needing seven off the last two overs with nine wickets in hand, they should have wrapped up the game against RCB much before the last ball and on Sunday, against Mumbai Indians, they needed double Super Overs to cross the hurdle though they could have finished it off in regulation time.

Such daredevilry is not advisable against Capitals, one of the strongest teams of IPL 2020.

Kings XI’s biggest strength is of course captain KL Rahul’s scintillating form. Rahul has shown exemplary consistency in aggregating 525 runs so far to top the run-scorers’ list. Along with Mayank Agarwal (393 runs), Rahul has forged a very successful opening partnership.

A resurgent Gayle at No.3 has worked well for Kings XI and it will be interesting to see what the Caribbean superstar has in store for Tuesday.

Speaking of Shreyas Iyer’s Capitals, their all-round game and consistency has helped them remain among the top two teams in the standings right from the start of this year’s tournament.

It needs to be seen if Capitals’ bowling attack, led by Kagiso Rabada and bolstered by the fast and furious Anrich Nortje, manages to thwart Rahul and Mayank’s free-flowing batting. It promises to be an exciting contest between bat and ball.

Dubey for Mishra

Delhi Capitals on Monday named Karnataka leggie Pravin Dubey as a replacement for veteran spinner Amit Mishra, who was ruled out of the IPL due to a fractured finger.

The 27-year-old leg-spinner has played 14 domestic T20 matches for his state, and has 16 wickets to his name with an economy rate of 6.87.

Today’s match

• Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Capitals, Dubai (7.30pm IST)