Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag complimented Hashim Amla’s consistent form for the Kings XI Punjab during the IPL.

The Kings XI failed to make it to the playoffs and had to field an Amla-less XI in their deciding match against the Rising Pune Supergiant on Sunday.

They were bowled out for 73 and lost by nine wickets as they fell two points short of the playoffs.

Amla was exquisite throughout the season picking up two centuries and two half-centuries in 10 matches. He scored at an average of 44.34 and a strike rate of 145.83, and only missed four of their 14 matches this season. He also became the third batsman to score two or more centuries in one season.

Sehwag, Kings XI’s director of cricket operations, singled out Amla and was critical of the rest of the team’s performances, as they failed to keep up with the Proteas batsman’s standards.

‘We missed Hashim Amla,’ Sehwag told ESPNcricinfo reporters on Sunday. “He (Amla) is an experienced player and has played more than 100 Test matches and averages close to 50 in Test and one-day cricket. He knows how to score runs immaterial of the format and he takes very few risks.

‘When you lose a batsman of that calibre, it’s necessary for someone to step in and bat with responsibility.

‘The other players in the team have a lot to learn from Hashim Amla, be it international players or Indian.’

The seven South African’s, who participated in the IPL, have returned to South Africa as they prepare for an ODI series against England and the Champions Trophy which starts on 1 June.

Photo: BCCI/Cricinfo