With the new captain KL Rahul, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will like to take to IPL trophy home. They have not entered the playoffs since 2014 when they were the runner up of the tournament. In the last two editions, they had a superb first half but as they move forward, their performance starts decorating. The Punjab-based franchise would like to break the jinx and grab the hand on the coveted trophy this year.
Apart from the new captain, they have also got new head coach Anil Kumble, one of the greatest Indian players. Kumble has always been a confident and passionate player. So, his inclusion in KXIP might give them a breakthrough.
KXIP will play the first match of the tournament against Delhi Capitals on 20th September. So, here, we have discussed, the predictable XI of the Punjab-based franchise against DC.
KXIP Predicted XI:
Openers: Chris Gayle and Kl Rahul:
Chris Gayle, the giant T20 specialist, has not played a competitive match since World Cup last year. Although he had a one year gap from the game, no one can doubt his power hitting skills. Like all the past editions, the towering batsman would unleash all the bowling attack while KL Rahul will anchor the innings from the other end. The captain will also be the wicketkeeper of the team.
Middle-order: Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran, Sarfaraz Khan Glenn Maxwell
Mayank Agarwal will bat at his usual position i.e, at no.3, but Nicholas Pooran and Sarfaraz Khan can be floaters between positions 4 and 6 with Glenn Maxwell.
KXIP bought Maxwell in the IPL 2020 auction, keeping in mind to solve the middle order problem of the franchise. Seeing his terrific form in the last series against England, he will not disappoint the team’s hope.
Allrounder: Krishnappa Gowtham, Chris Jordan
Krishnappa Gowtham, who was traded from RR for this season, along with Chris Jordan will form a good bowling allrounder combination. Jordan also showed his death over bowling skills against Australia in the T20I series which England won.
Bowlers: Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami
Spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman will be quite a threat to opposition in the UAE pitches. He is entering IPL 2020 after being the second-highest wicket-taker of CPL 2020, picking 16 wickets. The batsman will struggle to play him in power play and death over. On the other hand, the inclusion of Ravi Bishnoi, the highest wicket-taker in the Under-19 World Cup earlier this year with 16 scalps, had made KXIP’s spin bowling further strong. While Mohammed Shami will lead the pace bowling attack.