Kings XI Punjab have always remained one of the strongest contenders to win the IPL trophy but despite plying their trade in the league for 12 seasons, the franchise is yet to win an IPL trophy. Over the years, they have rotated their captains and coaches. This time, again, KXIP will be one of the teams to watch out for.
Headed by Anil Kumble, KXIP’s Director of Cricket, the franchise made nine purchases. Glenn Maxwell, who did not play IPL 2019, was their costliest pick at Rs 10.75 Crore. He has a long association with Kumble and KXIP.
Kumble was associated with Mumbai Indians when they spent 1 Million on Maxwell in 2013. The Australian all-rounder later moved to KXIP for next four seasons and led the team in IPL 2017 – the last time he played for KXIP before joining Delhi Capitals.
Sheldon Cottrell also turned to be a big gainer as KXIP spent Rs 8.5 Crore to get his services. The left-arm pacer impressed in the opening ODI in Chennai but really surprised everyone with his price. He had gone unsold in IPL 2018 and 2019 auction.
Chris Jordan, Ravi Bishnoi, Prabhsimran Singh, Deepak Hooda, James Neesham, Tajinder Dhillon and Ishan Porel were other players to join KXIP.
Jordan also bagged a big price as KXIP shelled out Rs 3 Crore for his services. The move to buy Neesham at his base price could turn out to be one of the smartest buys as he has done well in white-ball cricket for New Zealand in 2018/19.
The franchise confirmed KL Rahul as its captain for IPL 2020. He will replace R Ashwin, who moved to Delhi Capitals after leading them in IPL 2018 and 2019.
Squad: KL Rahul (Captain), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, Mandeep Singh, Sheldon Cottrell, Ishan Porel, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Arshdeep Singh, Hardus Viljoen, M Ashwin, J Suchith, Harpreet Brar, Darshan Nalkande, Tajinder Dhillon, Ishan Porel, Glenn Maxwell, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Hooda, James Neesham, Chris Jordan, Nicholas Pooran, Prabhsimran Singh