New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham will be representing KXIP in his maiden IPL season. The Kiwi has also revealed his second favourite side if KXIP fails to win the trophy. All teams have started getting their players tested in their hometowns before joining the base camp.
The BCCI had received the central government’s formal approval to conduct this year’s IPL in the UAE. The IPL 2020 will begin from September 19 till November 10, a total 53-day campaign will see all the eight teams play in UAE.
The venue this time is UAE and matches will be played in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. CSK will reportedly leave for the UAE on 22nd of August.
Jimmy Neesham Will Root For This Side If KXIP Fail
The 29-year-old in his first IPL stint will feature for KXIP who brought him at his base price of Rs 50 Lakhs. The last time the IPL was held in UAE in 2014, KXIP featured in the finals and lost in a close battle against KKR. Jimmy Neesham was answering a few questions on his twitter handle when he revealed his second favourite IPL side.
On being asked his second favourite side in the competion Jimmy tweeted “Umm if @lionsdenkxip don’t win I’d want @KKRiders to because of my mates there”
The other New Zealand players who will feature in the IPL 2020 are Lockie Ferguson (Kolkata Knight Riders), Mitchell McClenaghan and Trent Boult (Mumbai Indians), Kane Williamson (Sunrisers Hyderabad) and Mitchell Santner (Chennai Super Kings).
KXIP’s Bid To Win The IPL 2020
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. Kings XI have made some strong decisions this year, with letting Captain Ashwin leave, KL Rahul will captain the side this season.
Jimmy Neesham was an important part of the runners up team in the World Cup 2019 and would like to repeat his form to help his side win their first IPL.