The Indian Premier League (IPL) is a tournament of extreme uncertainties.
Today we analyze an ‘underdog’ team who is more than capable to cause those upsets. We take a closer look at the Kings XI Punjab.
The team has managed to maintain a unique blend of retained and new players. If certain cards fall at the right place, the Kings can certainly book a ticket for the playoffs.
History
Just like Delhi Capitals, the Kings have had their best memories in the earlier seasons of the IPL. We reflect back on them as the franchise featured cricketers like Yuvraj Singh, Adam Gilchrist, Virendra Sehwag, Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and many more.
The team had a really good start by claiming the third position in the first season of IPL. They were also the runners-up in 2014. However, they hit rock bottom after that, coming last in two consecutive seasons after that. They have been placed in the bottom ever since.
2008: 3rd place
2009: 5th place
2010: 8th place
2011: 5th place (out of 10 teams)
2012: 6th place
2013: 6th place
2014: 2nd place
2015: 8th place
2016: 8th place
2017: 5th place
2018: 7th place
2019: 6th place
Squad for IPL 2020
KL Rahul (captain), Karun Nair, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Mandeep Singh, Sarfraz Khan, Deepak Hooda, Glenn Maxwell, James Neesham, Tajinder Singh, Nicholas Pooran, Prabhsimran Singh, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jagadeesha Suchith, Murugan Ashwin, Harpreet Brar, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Hardus Viljoen, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Jordan, Ishan Porel, Arshdeep Singh and Darshan Nalkande.
How will they perform in IPL 2020?
BATTING – Here’s where things get interesting. The Kings have mostly stuck with the basic structure of their team, despite struggling in the past few seasons. However, their already existing players have upgraded themselves into serious T20 players.
Captain KL Rahul stands at an impressive second position in the ICC T20 batsmen rankings. He has been a lone warrior for the side and a bit of assistance from others will go a long way. They have purchased one of their own, Glenn Maxwell back. Maxwell has regained form as well after taking some time off from the sport. He resurged to gain the number one spot in top T20 allrounders rankings. Nicholas Pooran has shown potential as well.
All eyes will always be on the big man, Chris Gayle, whether he’ll be able to show his power. They also have the tested Indian trio of Karun Nair, Mayank Aggarwal, and Mandeep Singh.
BOWLING – Just like batting, their fast bowlers seem to have been on the rise as well. Mohammed Shami, Sheldon Cottrell, and Chris Jordan have become great T20 bowlers who can deliver at death overs as well.
The spin bowling, however, looks to be an area of concern. The attack does have variety, but the only name stands out is of 20-year old Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Other options like Murugan Ashwin, Jagadeesha Sujhith, Krishnappa Gowtham, though have experience but will have to perform consistently.
The major problem for Kings is to accommodate their foreign resources to the mandatory limit of four. Chris Gayle, Chris Jordan, Mujeeb Ur Rehman, and Glenn Maxwell seem to be the potential front runners. That will lead to KL Rahul wicket keeping. If other counterparts assist Rahul, the Kings may have a decent chance to break into the playoffs.
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