Indian commentator and former batsman — Aakash Chopra has revealed his all-time best KXIP 11. The KXIP franchise has been a very inventive team throughout their 13-year journey in the IPL. The Punjab-based team had however not a taste of silverware yet. They reached the final once in 2014 against KKR which they lost by three wickets in a thrilling last-over finish in Bangalore.
Punjab started off both 2018 and 2019 campaigns strong but lost track in the later stages and failed, to book a place in the playoffs. In a bittersweet journey for KXIP in the IPL, they have had great players represent the side. Many of them thrived while many struggled.
He Got To Play Where He Should, He Did Amazingly Well: Aakash Chopra on KL Rahul
Aakash Chopra revealed his best all-time 11 of KXIP team on his Youtube channel. He spoke about KL Rahul’s right move away from RCB and finding his form at KXIP.
“When Gayle’s name had come in the auction, no one was picking him. When KXIP picked him in the end, everyone else was laughing. Though he had an unbelievable first season along with KL Rahul.
“Perhaps the most explosive opening combination. KL Rahul. Now that we have kept Gayle, we have to pick KL Rahul. What an acquisition. I was surprised when RCB let him go. From there when we went to KXIP and he got to play where he should, he did amazingly well,” Chopra said.
Aakash Chopra’s all-time KXIP 11
Chris Gayle, KL Rahul (WK), Shaun Marsh, Mahela Jayawardene (C), David Miller, Yuvraj Singh, Piyush Chawla, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Praveen Kumar, Sandeep Sharma
The former Indian opener picked Australian Shaun Marsh at number three supporting his choice by opining that he was the most successful overseas players in the IPL. He picked Sri Lankan Mahela Jayawardene as the captain and number four in his team. He stated the immense contribution of David Miller and Yuvraj Singh in the team and picked them at numbers five and six respectively.
Aakash made a pick for three spinners in his team including Piyush Chawla, Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin. The rest two spots were filled by pacers Praveen Kumar and Sandeep Sharma
Kings XI have made some strong decisions this year, with letting Captain Ashwin leave, KL Rahul will captain the side this season.
Glenn Maxwell is ready for a second stint with Punjab this season but could join the side in the second half of the IPL, due to a shoulder surgery later this month.