As per reports, IPL franchise Kings XI Punjab will continue with KL Rahul and Anil Kumble as captain and coach for IPL 2021, which is six months down the line. Rahul finished as the top-scorer of the season and is still at the top of the pile in the run-getters list.
Kumble as coach was a key reason for their turnaround in the back half of the tournament. Kings XI Punjab won just one game from their first seven games and won five from their back seven to stage a terrific turnaround and Rahul and Kumble were at the heart of it.
A team source told PTI that the owners want Rahul and Kumble to take the team forward in the 2021 edition, scheduled in less than six months.
“The owners are happy with captain and coach. Rahul was exceptional with the bat and team scripted a remarkable comeback in the second half of the season. Had that short-run not being called in the first game (against DC), the team would have been in play-offs.”
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The team source further said that the team has found the core of the side and would look to build on it in the next season. He also added that the team needs a power-hitter in the middle-order and a death bowler to support Mohammed Shami.
“The good thing is a core group has been identified. Gaps need to be plugged in the middle-order where the team needs a power hitter and also a world-class fast bowler to support Shami,” the source further said.
Kings XI Punjab to Release Maxwell, Cottrell
Meanwhile, the team source further said that Glenn Maxwell and Sheldon Cottrell might be released ahead of the start of the next IPL. Maxwell (10.75crore) and Cottrell (8.5crore) were the two big buys for the franchise ahead of the season. However, neither of them were able to make it big this season. Kings XI Punjab even brought back Maxxwell after releasing him after the 2017 season.
“Their performance was not on expected lines and it will be tough to continue with them,” the source added.
Meanwhile, the BCCI is yet to decide on whether to have a mini or mega auction ahead of the 2021 IPL season.
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