New Zealand’s versatile cricketer – James Neesham has predicted that Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) can not only win most of their league games but would go on to win their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) trophy this year, scheduled to commence from September 19 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
For the upcoming edition of the domestic professional league, KXIP had availed services of veteran cricketers — to bolster the squad of Mohali-based franchise.
Kings XI Punjab can certainly win the IPL 2020: James Neesham
The 29-year-old Auckland-born Neesham is animated to join the squad which includes power-hitting prowess, Chris Gayle and swashbuckling Glenn Maxwell.
While speaking about the chances of his team KXIP, Neesham is optimistic of a good IPL, this season.
“Really excited about our team, we got some of the biggest names in the world in Chris Gayle and Glenn Maxwell and it is a team that can certainly win a lot of games and the tournament,” PTI quoted James Neesham as saying.
The Kiwis star all-rounder had returned to the cash-rich league after a prolonged gap of six years as he is set to play under the captaincy of young and dynamic captain, KL Rahul.
During the IPL Players’ Auction, Neesham bagged a deal for INR 50 lakh in December 2019.
Neesham is keen to help youngsters with the amount of international experience he is having. Known for wit and humour, Neesham had returned focused for the IPL and believes he would impart his knowledge to motivate the youngsters.
“This time I have come with a steadier head and knowledge under the belt and hopefully I can pass that knowledge to some of the younger guys in the squad,” Neesham said.
James Neesham hits often big on social media
The established cricketer believes his understanding would facilitate him to deliver in the IPL 2020. Neesham reminisced about his IPL debut while maintaining he didn’t have enough experience on his back then.
James Neesham excited on his IPL return:
Neesham, who himself made a debut in 2014 for Delhi Capitals (DC) when he featured in just four games. He managed to score 42 runs and a solitary wicket in the seventh edition of the IPL.
However, despite being signed by Kolkata Knight Riders in 2015, the injury had kept him out of the competition and he had to wait for five more years.
“It is my first time getting involved in a long time. It is exciting to come as an older player and as an experienced player. Last time I played for Delhi. I did not know what I needed to do to succeed. It was a challenge back then,” Jimmy Neesham concluded.
Neesham is currently undergoing mandatory quarantine in the UAE.
KXIP will take on Shreyas Iyer-led Delhi Capitals on September 20 in Dubai.