IPL 2016: REVEALED - Why Hashim Amla wasn't included in KXIP's playing XI vs KKR despite being available

New Delhi: South African batsman Hashim Amla has replaced injured Australian left-hander Shaun Marsh for the remaining matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2016.

But much to the surprise of several cricket fans, the right-hander didn't make it to KXIP's playing XI against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens for Match 32.

When asked about the reason behind such a decision, KXIP skipper Murali Vijay said, "Hashim Amla came this morning and we wanted to give him some break before including him in the future."

KXIP, who were the runners-up of the cash-rich tournament in 2014 after a fantastic season, are struggling to find rhythm.

Chasing a decent total of 164 runs, Punjab batsmen once again failed as a unit and it was Glen Maxwell's 42-ball 68 that got them closer to the target, but they eventually fell short by 7 runs.

Punjab are languishing at the bottom in the points table with just two wins from eight matches.