Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) has had a mixed start to this edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as they have a 50-50 win-loss ratio.
However, they will be eager to improve the statistics when they square off against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the next match at IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on April 15.
Punjab has built a strong squad packed with quality Indian players and some exciting overseas players at this year’s auction. They need to strike the right chords – to find a positive result in their favour.
They are likely to go in with the same team despite losing the last game against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).
Here is the predicted XI of King XI Punjab:
Lokesh Rahul (wk):
In-form KL Rahul has had an outstanding start to this year’s IPL. He played two consecutive knocks to give Punjab a blistering start.
Meanwhile, he needs to give Punjab another quickfire start if they want to come to winning ways.
Mayank Agarwal:
The top-order batsman Mayank Agarwal is yet to show his domestic form in the T20 league. He needs to strike the right chords as early as possible.
However, he is keen to shrug off his one-season wonder tag.
Aaron Finch:
The swashbuckling opener Aaron Finch will need some time to settle in these conditions. However, he is capable of taking the attack to the opposition at his own will.
Finch will be eager to spend some time in the middle and contribute to team’s performance.
Karun Nair:
Karun Nair so far has had an average series in the league. He has contributed significantly in the middle-order for Punjab.
He holds the key in the middle-overs as he rotates the strike quite well.
Yuvraj Singh:
The veteran southpaw Yuvraj Singh hasn’t found the right form so far in this league. However, he is well capable of tearing apart any bowling line-up.
He will be keen to find the form which will give Punjab a huge boost.
Marcus Stoinis:
Marcus Stoinis is currently one of the most destructive all-rounders in world cricket. He is a complete package and can contribute in all the departments.
He will have to be in his top form if Punjab wants to register a win over Super Kings.
Axar Patel:
The left-arm spinner Axar Patel is one of the players KXIP retained prior to the auctions. Indeed, it is high time he pays back the faith shown in him by the team management.
Although, Axar has picked wickets but has failed to contain runs in the middle-overs.
Ravichandran Ashwin (c):
Ace off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has already started to lead the team from the front. He played a captains knock before bagging two wickets.
Although Punjab lost the match, he made it to the headlines with his impressive effort.
Andrew Tye:
The tall and lanky pacer from Australia Andrew Tye was average with the ball in the last game. However, Punjab will want him to pick wickets in order to contain the opposition’s run flow.
Tye will also look to take the onus upon himself and live up to the expectations.
Mohit Sharma:
The experienced fast bowler Mohit Sharma had a very poor outing in the last game against RCB. Mohit went for 45 runs in 3.3 overs as Punjab lost the match.
He needs to pick up wickets if he wants to retain his place in the side.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman:
The 17-year-old mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has already left a lasting impression with his variations. Although KXIP lost the match, he castled Virat Kohli with a perfect ripper.
