The Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) has always been the team that has promise but fails to deliver as per expectations. In the last couple of seasons, they had a much-needed start but tail off as the group stages went on and thus have to settle for finishes outside of the Top 4, mainly due to an over-reliance on certain individuals.
KXIP’s status as perennial underachievers is highlighted by the fact that they have only ever reached the knockout stages of the tournament twice – in 2008 and 2014, respectively. They even made the final in 2014 but were unable to defeat the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
They shopped a lot in the 2020 auction and the squad has more depth than in the previous editions, something that has been an issue in the past. With former Indian skipper, Anil Kumble has been appointed as the coach, expectations will be there that the side can realistically mount a title challenge this time around.
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With their training sessions ahead of IPL 2020 in full swing, here we make an attempt of analyzing the KXIP squad and have a look at how it shapes up for the much-awaited return of top-level cricket. Here are the strengths and weaknesses of the Kings XI Punjab ahead of IPL 2020.
KXIP – Strengths
Top-order
An opening combination of Chris Gayle and KL Rahul – who has also been appointed as the captain – ensures plenty of runs on top of the order. Nicholas Pooran and Mayank Agarwal are also good options either atop or in the middle order. The presence of Glenn Maxwell as a big-hitter in the order followed by Chris Jordan and James Neesham means the side should have enough firepower to win matches.
KXIP – Weaknesses
Middle Order and bowling unit
While KXIP’s lead performers remain strong, the never managed to produce results from the middle-order. The likes of Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, Mandeep Singh, Deepak Hooda, and Krishnappa Gowtham will need to come up with much more consistent performances. The bowling unit also remains a worry as apart from Mohammed Shami, there no impactful bowler.
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In the absence of R Ashwin, there will be a lot of pressure on the younger or less experienced spinners to step up to the plate. A lack of a proven world-class spin option could come back to haunt the team.
Kings XI Punjab IPL 2020 squad:
KL Rahul (C), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Sarfaraz Khan, Mandeep Singh, Sheldon Cottrell, Ishan Porel, Ravi Bishnoi, Mohammed Shami, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, Arshdeep Singh, Hardus Viljoen, M Ashwin, J Suchith, Harpreet Brar, Darshan Nalkande, Glenn Maxwell, James Neesham, Chris Jordan, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Hooda, Tajinder Singh Dhillon, Nicholas Pooran, Prabhsimran Singh.
