It’s IPL 2020 time and the emotions are unmatchable as the most preeminent T20 league is all set to take place in UAE. The 13th edition of the IPL will be played between September 19- November 10.
Kings XI Punjab franchise is perceived to knock above their weights in the IPL. However, they have been inadequate to capitalise on important moments in the matches throughout the T20 competition. As a result, they are still yet to win their maiden IPL trophy. A lot of changes was made in the franchise earlier this year ahead of IPL 2020.
KL Rahul was made the captain and will lead the franchise for the first time in his career whereas, Anil Kumble has been trusted and given the role of the head coach. The entire KXIP squad has been continuously sweating it out in Dubai and preparing for the mega season ahead. The exciting franchise will be hoping to have their best-ever season and win that elusive IPL crown. ‘
The Kings XI will kick off their campaign against the Delhi Capitals on September 20 at Dubai. Meanwhile, in this feature, we will look ahead at the top 5 KXIP players who can set IPL 2020 on fire.
5 KXIP Players To Watch Out For This Season:
5. Chris Gayle
We’ll begin the list with the ‘universe boss’ himself Chris Gayle. The 40-year-old is arguably the greatest T20 batsman of all time. Even though Gayle is past his prime but he’s still a champion on his day. The Jamaican has absolutely nothing to prove to anyone as a batsman but he will surely like to win an IPL trophy before his retires from the game.
Gayle has time and time again delivered his best in the IPL and the KXIP franchise will be wishing that he has one last dance in the biggest T20 competition in the world.
The southpaw is undoubtedly one of the players of KXIP that everyone will be banking to produce goods and help his side past the finishing line.
Gayle IPL Record: 125 matches, 4484 runs, average 41, SR 151.
4. Mohammed Shami
At number 4, is the leader of the KXIP bowling attack Mohammed Shami. The speedster is coming into the IPL with a terrific run for India in international cricket. Shami will not only add experience in the KXIP setup but also quality as he is a proven match-winner on his day. The plus point with Shami has always been his strength to pick wickets whenever he has the ball in his hand.
Shami will be the go-to bowler for the skipper in the upcoming season as his side will heavily depend on him. The experienced pacer will be a permanent feature in KXIP squad this season in the UAE.
If Shami has a good season his side will automatically become major contenders to win the historic IPL 2020.
3. Glenn Maxwell
When IPL was played in the UAE in 2014, Glenn Maxwell was by far the stand out batsmen in the competition. His heroics in the IPL took KXIP to their first-ever IPL final. A lot has changed since then because Maxwell has had an up and down career in all formats of cricket.
The Australia cricketer even took a break from cricket after he stated that he was mentally exhausted and didn’t love the game enough. However, after dealing with his depression and anxiety issues, Maxwell has reverted to cricket and once again be a vital cog for Punjab.
The conditions will surely give him positive vibes as he last played some astonishing innings in the UAE during IPL.
Glenn Maxwell IPL Record: 69 matches, 1397 runs, SR 161.1
2. Ravi Bishnoi
Up next is the U-19 sensation and new acquisition of KXIP, Ravi Bishnoi. After his brilliant performances in the U-19 World Cup, Kings XI Punjab bought the leg spinner in the IPL auction. There’s so much to savour about Bishnoi as he not only bamboozles batsmen with his leg-spin but also gets through his overs quickly and keeps a check on the scoring rate.
The 20-year-old will be expected to make his debut season in the IPL a lasting one by picking loads of wickets. He will be the surprise package and X- factor in the bowling department as we pick him as one of the 5 KXIP players to watch for.
Watch out for him this season as he is a delight to watch with the ball in his hands.
1. KL Rahul
The KXIP skipper KL Rahul rightly deserves to be at the number 1 spot. With the captaincy burden too on his shoulder’s this year, Rahul will be one of the players to watch out for this season. He has had a heavenly record in T20 cricket so far and is today widely regarded as one of the best batsmen in the format.
Rahul has the powers to solely win a T20 match and KXIP supporters will be hoping that they see their fresh skipper in superior form during IPL 2020.
If Rahul can soak in the mass of captaincy and produce positive results it will not only be a positive sign for the Kings XI but also Indian cricket. As a result, KL Rahul will be an automatic choice in the list of 5 KXIP players to watch out for.
KL Rahul IPL Record: 67 Matches, 1977 runs, average 42.1, SR 138.1