After a bright start to their IPL campaign, Kings XI Punjab has lost their way as they have now lost all of their last four IPL matches and are languishing in the bottom half of the table.
The match proves to be crucial for both Gujarat Lions and Kings XI Punjab as both teams have managed only two wins each so far this season and are looking to give a more boost to their below par season so far.
Punjab looked like they got the ideal XI when they managed to beat both Rising Pune Supergiant and Royal Challengers Bangalore in their first two games. However, things are looking similar as they need to find a way quickly to get back to top this season.
But the team need to find more balance as they lost pretty sorely against Mumbai Indians on Thursday despite posting a massive 198 on board batting first. Glenn Maxwell needs to find the right team as the match against Gujarat Lions provide the ideal opportunity for the team to bounce back.
Previous Encounters:
Both teams played against each other only twice so far and share the spoils equally at 1-1. Gujarat Lions have won the first match at Mohali last season while Punjab managed to win the return leg at Rajkot.
Recent Form:
GL: L L W L L W
KXIP: W W L L L L
Talking Points:
The biggest concern for Kings XI Punjab going into the game would be their bowling lineup which has failed to defend to 199 on a batting pitch and the most woeful thing is the way they leaked runs against Mumbai Indians.
The batting lineup looks pretty strong with Hashim Amla, Glenn Maxwell and Manan Vohra at the prime form. However, the team management will need to find the right balance and the onus will be on the captain and Virender Sehwag to get the right team in a must-win fixture on Sunday.
Predicted XI
Manan Vohra could make a comeback into the team after missing out against Mumbai Indians. His addition would give more firepower to Punjab in the middle. Ishant could still make the cut against Gujarat Lions despite leaking 0/58 against Mumbai Indians in his four-over spell.
Swapnil Singh could be left out after a poor spell against Mumbai which gives chance to KC Cariappa to reclaim the place in the starting lineup.
Manan Vohra, Hashim Amla, Glenn Maxwell, David Miller, Gurkeerat Mann, Marcus Stoinis, Wriddhiman Saha, Ishant Sharma, Axar Patel, Sandeep Sharma, KC Cariappa