While Punjab etched out a thrilling win against Warner's 'Orange Army' from what once seemed like a losing position, KXIP batsman Mandeep Singh stole the hearts of many as he turned up for the game despite a major personal loss.
Mandeep's father passed away on Friday night but that did not dent his resolve to play for his franchise against SRH. His father Hardev Singh was suffering from illness and his condition had deteriorated last week.
Kings XI Punjab players were spotted wearing black armbands during the game to pay homage to Mandeep's late father. KL Rahul-led KXIP dedicated the all important 12-run win in honour of Mandeep's late father.
Mandeep opened the innings for his team in the absence of regular opener Mayank Agarwal, who was ruled out due to an injury. In his brief but meaningful stint, Mandeep scored 17 runs off 14 balls and added 37 runs for the first wicket with KL Rahul (27).
KXIP posted a below part 126-run total on the board but it was enough for KL Rahul and Co. to carve out a thrilling 12-run win as their bowlers restricted SRH to 114.
With their fifth win of the season, KXIP have now climbed to the fifth spot and have a realistic chance of making it to the knockouts. They are two point a drift from fourth-placed KKR who have 12 points in the bank.