IPL 2018: 16th Match, KXIP vs SRH – Kings XI Punjab Predicted XI
Apr 20, 2018 at 1:02 PM
Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will look to continue on their gained momentum when they square off against the undefeated side Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on April 19 (Thursday) at the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali.
The Punjab team will be oozing with confidence by the form of Universe Boss, Chris Gayle.
However, they have had a mixed outing so far with two wins from three outings.
KXIP batsmen have done good so far in the tournament, however, it is their bowling which needs to come good.
Moreover, the young Afghan mystery spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman has already made a long-lasting impression.
Meanwhile, Aaron Finch’s form will keep them worried as the star opener is yet to open his account for Punjab.
Going against the undisputed Hyderabad, it is likely to Punjab will field their best possible XI.
Here is the predicted XI of Kings XI Punjab:
Lokesh Rahul (wk):
KL Rahul has started this tournament with a bang providing useful contributions at the start. He has looked in great touch hitting the ball with ease.
He will look to give his team another inspiring start against the SRH.
Chris Gayle:
After missing out on the first two games, the mighty Chris Gayle has returned with a stronger statement. He scored 63 runs off just 33 deliveries – to launch an attack on the opposition.
It will be a big boost for Punjab and they will hope Gayle’s carries this devastating form in the ongoing league.
Mayank Agarwal:
Mayank Agarwal has finally started to find his domestic form back. After two early failures, Mayank scored a 19-ball 30 against Chennai Super Kings. He looked in great touch middling the ball quite well.
Moreover, he will be eager to continue the momentum with himself.
Yuvraj Singh:
Vital cog in the wheel for Punjab-based outfit, the veteran all-rounder Yuvraj Singh needs to start scoring if he wants to retain his place in the first playing XI. The left-handed batsman has had a poor stint so far in the tournament.
Meanwhile, he will be also raring to spend some time in the middle and score some runs for the team.
Karun Nair:
Karun Nair has contributed well in the limited opportunities he has got so far. He has played some useful knocks coming late in the innings.
However, if promoted up the order, he will look to contribute more with the bat to cement his spot.
Marcus Stoinis:
The most destructive all-rounder Marcus Stoinis is like to come back to the team after missing out the last game.
Stoinis is capable of playing the long handle and can also chip in with wickets at crucial times.
Punjab will want him to be in his superlative form against Hyderabad.
Axar Patel:
The spinning all-rounder Axar Patel is likely to come back after missing the last outing against CSK. Punjab retained Axar, however, he is yet to deliver for the team.
This will be the perfect time for Axar to pay back the trust shown in him by the Punjab think tank.
Ravichandran Ashwin (c):
Ravichandran Ashwin has come out as a whole different cricketer after taking up the captaincy role for his new team Punjab. He has shouldered the responsibility with great authority while leading the team from the front.
Moreover, along with the ball, Ashwin is also contributing some quick runs with the bat.
Mohit Sharma:
The experienced fast bowler Mohit Sharma needs to take up the responsibility on himself to lead the Punjab attack.
Although he has picked wickets, he needs to contain runs at the end.
However, he bowled a perfect last over in the previous clash to defend 17 runs, but he needs to offer best for the IPL franchise.
Andrew Tye:
Andrew Tye is one of the most expensive fast bowlers in the league so far. He has picked wickets at times but has leaked runs on most of the occasions.
The Australian needs to stand up to the occasion and deliver in important games.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman:
The rising spin star Mujeeb Ur Rahman is silently doing his business for the team. He has been economical so far picking up wickets in every game.
Mujeeb will be an asset for the Kings XI Punjab going into the two-month long league.
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