After a string of low performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL), Kings XI Punjab will look to come all guns blazing in IPL 2020. They have a revamped management with young and energetic KL Rahul at the helm of the side. The senior players of the team will also have to assume responsibilities and head coach Anil Kumble has already stated Chris Gayle has a major role to play a mentor.

The Kings XI have been of the underachievers in the history of the league. They have reached the playoffs only twice in the last 12 seasons. However, they have a magnificent record when IPL took place in the UAE back in 2014. Glenn Maxwell ran a carnage and stormed his side to the finals but lost to Kolkata Knight Riders.

Gayle will have a role to play as mentor – Kumble

The franchise will be desperate to change their statistics for good this time around. And Anil Kumble feels the senior cricketers need to stand up and take more responsibility. West Indian legend Chris Gayle is one of the most senior cricketers in the side and Kumble is counting on his experience. The former India skipper also wants Gayle to take part actively in leadership roles.

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“We will have to see the conditions at the main ground as we have been practising,” Kumble said. “Chris has a major role as a player and even otherwise.

“His leadership, his experience, the youngsters look up to him. It is not just Chris the batsman we are looking at but Chris in a leadership role in terms of his contribution to developing young players. I want him to be active in the mentorship role,” he added. 

Chris Gayle is one of the icons of the shortest format of the game and the record holder of the highest run-scorer. The flagbearer of T20 cricket will look to lead the batting unit from the front as Kings XI Punjab chase their maiden trophy.

Punjab will begin their IPL 2020 campaign against Delhi Capitals on September 20.