Kings XI Punjab have been the surprise package of the IPL this year with Ravichandran Ashwin’s men defying all expectations to put together a brilliant first half of the campaign.

Much of the franchise’s success this season can be attributed to the starts provided by their in-form openers KL Rahul and Chris Gayle.

Rahul has struck two half-centuries along with three other scores of over 30 runs so far while Gayle has already registered one ton and two fifties in his four innings for the franchise.

Rahul has now credited the big Jamaican for making life ‘easier’ at the batting crease.

“He (Gayle) is the most destructive T20 opener in the world. It is a privilege to open the batting with him and it makes my life so much easier,” the India man told PTI in an interaction on Friday.

“When the opposition bowling is focusing on him, that takes a little bit pressure out of me. I can just take my time and I can enjoy my cricket. We have played together for a few years now at RCB and now we are together. We enjoy each other’s company. A great human being. So much fun to be around. A complete entertainer.

“That is what I learnt from Chris. He is always playing the game with a big smile on his face. And he enjoys entertaining the crowd even when under pressure. I think when the opposition is up against him they are always under pressure.”

Ashwin’s men have so far garnered five wins in their seven matches so far and are currently placed fifth in the league table. They could equal league leaders Sunrisers Hyderabad’s tally of 12 points if they beat defending champions Mumbai Indians on Friday night.

The LIVE action for Friday’s meeting between the two sides can be followed here.