Its IPL season and the passion for IPL 2020 is in the top gear as the most leading T20 league is all set to be played in UAE. The 13th edition of the IPL will be played between September 19- November 10. In this feature, we’ll take a look at the predicted XI of the Kings XI Punjab.
The KXIP is undoubtedly one of the most entertaining franchises in the IPL. A team which has also oftentimes punched above their weight but failed to be consistent during key fixtures. KXIP finished 6th last year as they only managed to win 6 out of 14 league matches. After a disappointing IPL 2019, the franchise made key changes in their leadership and management.
Former legendary India cricketer Anil Kumble was appointed as the Director of Cricket Operations and Head Coach of Kings XI Punjab before IPL 2020. Also, KL Rahul was named the new captain of the side and will be leading an IPL team for the first time in his career.
In the IPL auction, KXIP tried to strengthen their bowling attack that can complement their already formidable batting lineup.
Here is the Predicted XI Of Kings XI Punjab:
1. KL Rahul
There’s no denying that KL Rahul is presently one of the best T20 batsmen in the world. The opening batsman has a stellar record in both T20Is and IPL. This year will be different as Rahul will be playing with the added burden of the leadership which will be a first in his career.
The 28-year-old will have to lead his side from the front with the bat and make major decisions correct during crunch matches. Rahul was the ability to single-handedly win a T20 match and KXIP fans will be hoping that they see their new skipper in prime form during IPL 2020.
KL Rahul IPL Record: 67 Matches, 1977 runs, average 42.1, SR 138.1
2. Chris Gayle
The greatest T20 batsman of all time Chris Gayle will surely start as an opening partner with KL Rahul. The Jamaican has over the years entertained everyone with his destructive batting in the IPL. Gayle is without a doubt a key player in the KXIP setup as he has the ability that very few posses.
However the 40-year-old is certainly past his prime and will have a perform consistently to play all the matches in IPL 2020. Gayle will have to click in the upcoming IPL season if KXIP wants to have a successful edition and win their first title.
Gayle IPL Record: 125 matches, 4484 runs, average 41, SR 151.
3. Mayank Agarwal
The impressive Mayank Agarwal has taken giant strides in international cricket in the last few years. The Karnataka batsman is now a regular feature in India’s red-ball squad. The 29-year-old much like last season bat at the crucial number 3 spot for KXIP in IPL 2020.
Agarwal showed glimpses of his talent in IPL last year but failed to convert his starts into big one consistently. The right-hander is now much more experienced and will be looking to stamp his authority in the 13th edition of IPL.
Considering the pitches in the UAE Agarwal with a vital cog of KXIP as he is a fine player of spin and brought up on slow surfaces in his career.
Mayank Aggarwal IPL Record: 77 matches, 1266 runs, SR 128
4. Glenn Maxwell
Next is the ‘Big Show’ Glenn Maxwell who was bought again by KXIP in the IPL auction for a whopping Rs. 10.75 crores. The Aussie is ‘Box Office’ and a genuine match winter in T20 cricket. Last time when IPL was played in UAE way back in 2014, Maxwell was the premier batsman as he lit up stadiums with his batting.
Maxwell hasn’t been himself in the last few years and admitted that he was mentally exhausted and wanted a break from the game. The 31-year-old has fought his demons off the field and is now raring to go in IPL 2020.
An in-form Maxwell is what the KXIP franchise will be hoping for as he has the potential to win several matches on his own.
Glenn Maxwell IPL Record: 69 matches, 1397 runs, SR 161.1
5. Sarfaraz Ahmed
The ‘pocket-size dynamo’ Sarfaraz Khan is a real talent with the bat in hand. The 22-year-old has a remarkable array of shots which makes him difficult to bowl at. KXIP has invested in the rising star and will be eager to seem at his best in IPL 2020.
Sarfaraz is an ideal batsman to bat at number 5 in a T20 inning. With all the shots and flair, the right-handed batsman will be looking to perform consistently this year and leave his mark on IPL 2020.
Sarfaraz Khan IPL record: 33 Matches, 408 runs, SR 142.7.
6. Mandeep Singh
Another adequate Indian batsman in KXIP ranks is Mandeep Singh. The 28-year-old has played some handy innings in the middle order during his IPL career. The right-hander has been training regularly in the lockdown and eyeing a good IPL 2020 season in KXIP colours.
Mandeep has been in the scheme of things for quite some time now and will be key to Punjab’s plans this year.
IPL Record: 97 matches, SR 125, 5 50s.
7. Krishnappa Gowtham
In his IPL career, he has shown that he has this knack of picking up big wickets and he will be again looking to replicate it in IPL 2020.
IPL Record: 22 Matches, SR 173, 12 wickets
8. Mohammed Shami
One of the foremost fast bowlers in the world Mohammed Shami will be leading the KXIP bowling attack. Shami is a genuine wicket-taker in any stage of the innings which makes him a potent force.
The soon to turn 30 years old will be looking to use pitches in the UAE to his advantages and give his side breakthroughs at regular intervals. KXIP franchise and fans will have huge expectations from Shami as they will be hoping that he leads the charge in the bowling department.
IPL Record: Matches: 51, Wickets: 40, Economy: 8.99
9. Sheldon Cottrell
Another addition to KXIP this year is the skilful West Indies fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell. The pacer was picked up by Kings XI Punjab for Rs 8.5 crore in IPL 2020 auction. Cottrell again because of his wicket-taking abilities was roped in by the franchise in the auction.
The 31-year-old has experience of playing several T20 matches for West Indies and his CPL team St Kitts & Nevis Patriots. The bowler is extremely excited for the upcoming IPL season and will be looking to impress everyone in his maiden season in the biggest T20 league in the world.
T20I Record: 27 matches, 36 wickets, economy 7.83.
10. Mujeeb Ur Rahman
Mujeeb ur Rahman will look to weave his magic as Kings XI Punjab chase his first prestigious IPL trophy.
IPL Record: 16 matches, 17 wickets, economy 7.95.
11. Ravi Bishnoi
India’s trump card in the U-19 World Cup this year leg spinner Ravi Bishnoi will be taking part in his first IPL. The teenager impressed everyone in the U-19 world cup and was later bought by KXIP in the IPL auction.
Bishnoi has several tricks up his sleeve that he will be looking to unfold against opposition batsmen. His leg-spin will be gold dust for KXIP in the UAE as he will have eyes on him during IPL 2020.
Also, the rising star will be picking the brain of the legendary leg spinner his coach at KXIP Anil Kumble.