Kings XI Punjab's poor start to their Indian Premier League campaign continued as they crashed to a 31-run defeat to the Rajasthan Royals in Mohali.

Michael Lumb (41), Faiz Fazal (45) and Adam Voges (45 not out) all chipped in with useful contributions as the Royals amassed an imposing 183 for five after being sent in to bat.

Kumar Sangakkara (29) and one-drop batsman Manvinder Bisla (35) blazed away at the start of the Kings XI chase, but once the two were dismissed, the challenge fizzled and contest was over long before the hosts were bowled out for 152.

This is Punjab's fourth loss in five matches and the second victory on the trot for a resurgent Rajasthan.

Kings XI's new-ball bowlers Irfan Pathan and Shanthakumaran Sreesanth had both generated swing, but were inconsistent with line and length, aiding a brisk start for openers Lumb and Naman Ojha (13).

The two added 35 together, but Sreesanth - much against the run of play - broke that stand by snaring Ojha in the fourth over.

Lumb followed his opening partner back to the pavilion and the Royals, with two fresh batsmen - Yusuf Pathan (28) and Fazal - at the crease, needed to rebuild.

The Kings XI could have had more success, but Yusuf was dropped by his brother Irfan while on seven and the hard-hitting batsman, together with Fazal, went on to consolidate.

Yusuf was eventually scalped by an expensive Shalabh Srivastava, but Voges joined Fazal and the duo lifted the Royals with a 60-run stand for the fourth wicket.

Fazal was run out in the final over, but Voges ensured a good finish, clubbing five boundaries and a six in his unbeaten innings.

Sangakkara promoted himself to the top of the Kings XI order and he gave his side a blazing start, clobbering six boundaries in a quickfire 29.

He perished attempting one big shot too many, but there was no respite as Bisla immediately launched a brutal attack.

The right-hand batsman began by smashing Munaf Patel for three boundaries and a six and followed that up by smashing Shane Warne for a six and a four in the leg-spinner's first over.

But Warne struck back by snaring Bisla in his second over and the Royals were back in command as Yuvraj Singh (15), Ravi Bopara (25), Irfan (one) and Mohammad Kaif (eight) all departed cheaply.

Mahela Jayawardene made a fighting 23 but his dismissal in the penultimate over ensured a comfortable victory for the Royals.