After a strong start to their IPL campaign in 2018, the side led by Ravichandran Ashwin fell apart losing seven out of the remaining eight games to finish second from bottom. With the squad revamped for yet another time, Kings XI Punjab will look for a positive turnout this time around.
Right from the inception of the tournament it has been only disappointment for the fans from Punjab. Despite posing a decent squad on paper each year, the side has always failed big time and have had to settle for the bottom spots.
Apart from the scintillating season they had in 2014 where they made it to the finals, the side has reached the knockout stage just one other time. The previous season saw them get off to a great start, reviving memories of the 2014 season. But eventually the side lost their way in the course of weeks and failed to make it to the playoffs.
Their major downfall came when they became over reliant on KL Rahul. The other batsmen failed to contribute often leaving the game to be solely won by the opener. Also with Yuvraj Singh being in and out of the side, the middle order was never settled throughout the tournament.
Bowling wise it was similar story as Tye was seen fighting a lone battle. Mystery spinner Mujeeb Zadran started off brightly but an injury put his season to a close. Captain Ashwin too couldn’t put his tricks to work and was taken to the cleaners.
Thus after a disappointing showing that saw criticism from various sections of the fans, the management once again decided to revamp the squad in a bid to begin things afresh. They released a total of 11 players that included big names such as Aaron Finch and Axar Patel. They also appointed Mike Hesson has their head coach dismissing Virender Sehwag from the helm.
Going into the auction with a whooping 36.2 crores to spend, they knew they just had to get their formula right this time around. The auction day saw them purchase a total of 13 players that included some surprise inclusions.
Varun Chakaravarthy, deemed as an mystery spinner from Tamil Nadu was their costliest pick as they paid a jaw-dropping 8.4 crores to secure his services. Apart from him, Punjab also went on to purchase Prabhsimran Singh for 4.8 crores.
Some of the other picks included England all-rounder Sam Curran, India pacer Mohammad Shami and youngster Sarfraz Khan. Picking a side to field in their first game will be a headache for Ashwin as he will be left with a fresh set to pick from.
One spot where they will be no doubts will be the opening slots. Chris Gayle will be expected to accompany Rahul at the middle after having a series to remember vs England few weeks back. Rahul will remember the knock he played to begin IPL 2018 and will look to put up yet another impressive show on display.
A completely different looking middle order of Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Nicholas Pooran and Sarfraz Khan will look to make the cut in the first game. Punjab will believe that these players will come to the party at the right time. Both Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair will make their return after a successful stint with their state side in the national T20s.
Shami along with Curran will spearhead the bowling attack as Tye will look to chip in with the wickets at the death. It will be interesting to see who will be accompanying Ashwin to do the spin duties. With the captain being excited about picking Varun at the auction, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he decides to play him given that none has seen the variations he has under his disposal.
PREDICTED XI: KL Rahul (wk), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Nicholas Pooran, Sarfraz Khan, Sam Curran, Ravichandran Ashwin (c), Mohammad Shami, Andrew Tye, Varun CV.
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