They reached the final in 2014. But collapsed to the bottom of the table during the next two years. Last year, an eighth win in the league stage could have handed them the chance to play in the qualifiers, but that was not to be. Ahead of this season, the captain has been changed. The coach has been changed. It is a matter of time and for all we know, the results might also change.
During the auction this year, the franchise acquired players in a sumptuous manner. The fact that Kings XI were left with INR 10 lakh out of the allotted budget of INR 80 crores itself speaks a lot about their approach. Having retained Axar Patel before the auction, Kings XI have bought another 20 players, but none gave more jubilation to the people of Punjab than Yuvraj Singh.
Expected Playing Eleven
1) Chris Gayle 2) Lokesh Rahul (wk) 3) Karun Nair 4) Yuvraj Singh 5) David Miller 6) Marcus Stoinis 7) Axar Patel 8) Ravichandran Ashwin (c) 9) Andrew Tye 10) Mohit Sharma 11) Barinder Sran
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Yuvraj Singh returns to KXIP after seven years.[/caption]In the absence of Aaron Finch for the first match, Chris Gayle and Lokesh Rahul form an attacking opening combination. If Gayle clicks, the franchise's decision of buying him in the third round of the auction will turn out to be a stroke of genius. Karun Nair, third-highest run-scorer in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, scored 379 runs in nine matches at an average of 42.11 and a strike rate of 173.85, including two centuries and a half-century. Someone of his talent can provide stability to the batting order and take the bowlers on at the same time.
The fans are assumed to roar in numbers to watch Yuvraj Singh play for Kings XI Punjab. On a personal front, even he would be looking to stand tall on the expectations vouchsafed to him by the fans. In David Miller and Marcus Stoinis, Punjab have a couple of batsmen who can finish the innings on a high note for them. Stoinis will also be expected to bowl his quota of four overs to the likes of his captain.
Axar Patel and Ravichandran Ashwin will be the life force of Punjab's bowling attack. The spin duo will undoubtedly hold the key against tough oppositions. Playing for Gujarat Lions, Andrew Tye had impressed one and all last year. His stockpile of variations have it in them to restrict any batsman in the world. Kings XI will also enjoy the services of the Indian fast bowling pair of Mohit Sharma and Barinder Sran.
Bench Strength
It will be interesting to see as to whether Aaron Finch will directly walk into the playing eleven upon his availability or will be made to warm the bench. He can be a direct replacement for Gayle or can be included in place of Miller. In the second scenario, both he and Gayle should happen and the rest would fall down by a position in the batting order. Punjab can also swap Finch precisely with Miller and play him at No. 5.
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Ashwin will lead an IPL side for the first time.[/caption]Mayank Agarwal, who has had a stellar domestic season, is expected to be given a go as the tournament moves forward. Having played a couple of imposing knocks for Rising Pune Supergiant last year, Manoj Tiwary is another option for Punjab to try in the middle overs. Without any specialist wicket-keeper, Kings XI can also rely on the Akshdeep Nath for the duty behind the stumps. If given an opportunity, Manzoor Dar, Jammu & Kashmir's hard-hitting batting all-rounder, will be interesting to watch.
Ankit Rajpoot has been doing the rounds in the Indian domestic circuit for a while now. He is expected to play a big role for Punjab in this season of the IPL. In Pardeep Sahu and Mayank Dagar, Punjab have a couple of domestic spin bowling options. Mujeeb Zadran, Afghanistan's 17-year old off-spinner, will be the surprise element in Punjab's dressing room.
Support Staff
Director of Cricket Operations - Virender Sehwag
Head Coach - Brad Hodge
Assistant Coach - Mithun Manhas
Bowling Coach - Venkatesh Prasad
Fielding Coach - Nishnata Bordolol
Home Ground
1) PCA Stadium, Mohali
2) Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore
Inaugural Match
08/04/2018 (Sunday) - Kings XI Punjab vs Delhi Daredevils
About Dixit Bhargav
Editorial team at Punjabi Mania. Passionate about bringing the latest updates from the Punjabi entertainment industry directly to you.
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