With IPL 2018 auction to be coming in a week’s time, the fans and followers are eagerly waiting to know the combinations of their favorite teams. Earlier this month, during the IPL retention event, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) had opted to retain just one player: Axar Patel and now they can use only 3 right to match cards in the upcoming auctions.
In most of the IPL seasons, KXIP has finished in the bottom half of the table and they will surely be looking to change it this time. As almost every player is in the auction process, the Kings will stand a good chance to form a good core team which can help them put up a better performance in 2018.
Also read: Sehwag reveals KXIP's strategyThey have only retained Axar Patel which surprised a few as they would’ve also opted to retain Glenn Maxwell as well. But Kings Fans can still see Maxwell playing for the franchise if the think tank uses one of the RTM cards to buy him back.
KXIP might want to retain a certain Sandeep Sharma though. He has been the only bright spot in the otherwise disappointing last couple of seasons, and this type of swing bowling is well suited for pitches of Mohali and Dharamsala, which are the home grounds of Kings XI Punjab.
The Punjab franchise might also go for Hashim Amla, Manan Vohra or Murali Vijay depending on the team combination and player availability.
Prediction for RTM cards – Glenn Maxwell, Sandeep Sharma.
Now, here is the probable list of the players who could fit in as per KXIP’s requirement to buy for in the auction of IPL 2018.
Harbhajan Singh
Harbhajan is arguably the most miser bowler in terms of leaking runs in the history of IPL and going by the recent statement made by KXIP mentor Virender Sehwag, they might go for local stars. Bhajji has been part of Mumbai Indians since the inception of IPL but Punjab would like to have their local boy, who has also done well as captain. Under him, Mumbai won their first Champions League title. His experience will also come into play for other youngsters in the team.
Yuvraj Singh
“I think the fans would want Punjab stars like Yuvraj in KXIP team,” said Sehwag recently. This statement from Viru clearly indicates that KXIP will go for their local lad who started his IPL journey with the same franchise in 2008.
Manan Vohra
An opening batsman by nature, Manan Vohra has been part of KXIP family since 2013. He has proved himself useful for Punjab on many occasions. It was him who was the first to score some runs against Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan in the last IPL season. Since he has been already part of KXIP since last four editions, KXIP would not mind using RTM for him.
Shaun Marsh
Shaun Marsh is the only cricketer to have stick with KXIP since IPL’s inaugural edition. He is also the only foreigner cricketer to have played for a single franchise in every season. However, this time he has not been retained but looking at this recent form in the recently concluded Ashes, KXIP will like to get him back.
Also read: Sehwag points out the importance of IPL for youngstersShubhman Gill
Not many have heard this cricketer’s name but he is currently becoming a big one, especially in Punjab. Shubman Gill is currently the deputy skipper of India U-19 in the ongoing U19 World Cup. He is known for his attacking brand of cricket and even opened the innings against Zimbabwe in the world Cup. KXIP should not shy of bringing this talented teenager to their family.
