IPL 2019, Match 42: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kings XI Punjab- KXIP Predicted Playing XI
Apr 24, 2019 at 11:46 AM
After a great start to the season, Kings XI Punjab just like the previous year has fallen off the radar and now need to start winning badly to keep their playoffs hopes alive. Despite some individual brilliance from the likes of KL Rahul and Chris Gayle at the top of the order, the bowling of Punjab has been ordinary at times which has resulted in them slipping to the 5th position in the points table with 5 victories from 10 matches.
They are all set to lock horns against the Royal Challengers Bangalore tomorrow. RCB will be a confident unit after scraping through in the last couple of matches against Kolkata Knight Riders. In both the matches a certain Andre Russell and an MS Dhoni almost knocked them out of the tournament.
Now with the 42nd match of the tournament to be
played tomorrow let us have a look at the Predicted Playing XI of Kings XI
Punjab
KL Rahul
The stylish right-hander has been a strength for Punjab at the top of the order. After failing to get going in the first few matches, KL Rahul has roared back to form and has got Punjab off to steady and flying starts on quite a few occasions. He is a wonderful striker of the ball and his consistency in the IPL also paved his way for a berth in the 2019 World Cup squad.
Chris Gayle
The southpaw is arguably the most destructive batsmen in IPL. Despite being 40, Gayle has scored runs quite consistently for Punjab. His power hitting abilities at the top of the order make him an integral part of the franchise. There is no doubt about the fact that Gayle and Rahul will look to get them off to a great start tomorrow against the Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Mayank Agarwal
He has been a stand out performer in the tournament so far. Ahead of the season it was Punjuab coach Mike Hesson who had predicted a productive season with the bat for Mayank and it is exactly which has transpired in the tournament so far. Mayank Agarwal has played well according to the conditions and will be a vital cog for Punjab if they harbour hopes of going through to the playoffs.
David Miller
The southpaw has been going through an indifferent form and has not managed to score consistently for the Kings XI Punjab. However, e will be part of the XI tomorrow when Punjab meets Royal Challengers Bangalore. The southpaw will definitely look to get back among runs when the two teams lock horns tomorrow.
Mandeep Singh
He has been a floater for any franchise he has played for in the tournament so far. Mandeep Singh is an useful middle order batsman who can also play the big shots to perfection. He has done a good job for Punjab in the last couple of matches and will look to continue his form.
Nicholas Pooran
The Windies wicket-keeper batsman is a special talent and can hit the ball all around the park with utter disdain. However, in the opportunities, he has got in the tournament so far, Pooran has capitalized it at all. However, he is a lusty striker of the ball which might help him make the Playing XI tomorrow.
Sam Curran
The English all-rounder has been an integral part of the Kings XI Punjab set up ever since making his IPL debut for this franchise. He has already bagged a hat-trick in the tournament and bowled his side to a special victory against the Delhi Capitals.
Harshdeep Brar
The teenager made his IPL debut in the previous match and looked in good touch with the bat and also gave his side an all-important wicket. Harshdeep will definitely be in my playing XI for tomorrow’s clash against the bottom ranked Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Ravichandran Ashwin
The Kings XI Punjab skipper has led his franchise from the front. He has bowled quite brilliantly but the Mankading which he did o Jos Buttler earlier in the tournament irked a lot of criticism. However he has kept that aside and gone onto perform quite consistently for his franchise. Ashwin is also an useful striker of the ball in the lower order.
Murugan Ashwin
He has bowled well in patches but hasn’t been given chances on a consistent basis. Murugan Ashwin is a wicket-taking bowler and has already bowled some unplayable deliveries in the tournament. He will definitely look to make an impact for Punjab who needs to win at least 2 of their last 4 matches to harbour hopes of going through to the playoffs.
Mohammad Shami
It has been the best IPL for Mohammad Shami by quite a distance. The fast bowler has looked in rhythm and has always given his captain important wickets at crucial junctures of the game. He will definitely be a major factor for Punjab if they hope to go through to the final 4. Shami will look to continue his ominous form in the lead up to the World Cup.