IPL 2020: Team Preview – Kings XI Punjab

The perennial mid-table team, Kings XI Punjab are yet to lift the silverware despite featuring in all 12 seasons of the Indian Premier League. They have managed to reach the final once, but Kolkata Knight Riders proved to be the better team on the day. When the IPL was played in the UAE in 2014, Kings XI Punjab had won all five of their matches. With the tournament returning to the Middle East nation, KXIP will hope to replicate their previous performance and go all the way this time.

Squad:

Strengths:

The Punjab side features some of the most ferocious hitters in T20 cricket. KL Rahul, leading the side, is arguably the best T20 batsman going around. Chris Gayle, the Universe Boss, needs no introduction. Despite being past the age of 40, the legend is still capable of winning matches on his own. Nicholas Pooran is a superstar in the making. He recently struck a 45-ball century in the Caribbean Premier League. Glenn Maxwell enjoyed the UAE conditions in 2014, if he fires, the KXIP unit will be unstoppable.

Apart from explosive batsmen, KXIP have also assembled a top-class unit of spin all-rounders. Krishnappa Gowtham (Off-spin), J Suchith (Left-arm orthodox), Deepak Hooda (Off-spin) will provide great depth to the playing XI whenever they get an opportunity. Leg-spinner Murugan Ashwin is also capable with the bat. Maxwell is also expected to chip in with his utility off-spin overs.

Weaknesses

With Gayle, Pooran, Maxwell and Mujeeb Ur Rehman occupying the overseas spots, KL Rahul will have to rely on his Indian pace bowling contingent to deliver with the ball in the opening overs and the death overs. Mohammad Shami, who had a fantastic IPL 2019, does not boast of fearsome overall record in the IPL. Ishan Porel and Arshdeep Singh will have to step up to the plate, otherwise, the opposition may end up targeting these overs for quick runs.

Strongest Playing XI

KL Rahul (C), Chris Gayle*, Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran*, Mandeep Singh, Glenn Maxwell*, Krishnappa Gowtham, M Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Mujeeb ur Rahman*, Ishan Porel.

KXIP are likely to start with Chris Gayle at the top. If the 40-year old T20 legend fails to fire, they could look at an Indian alternative and bring in an overseas pacer. They have enough options in Sheldon Cottrell, Hardus Viljoen and Chris Jordan. Karun Nair will also be waiting in the wings to slide in this playing XI.

Team Fixtures