Squad analysis IPL 2018: Kings XI Punjab
Kings XI Punjab would look to shed their 'inconsistent' tag , after they went for a star-studded batting line-up for IPL 2018. They have built their side around experienced batsmen with a decent attack. With Ravichandran Ashwin as their skipper, they will be tested given IPL is his first major assignment as a leader. In this article, we analyse Kings XI Punjab's squad.
A plethora of stars in batting unit
'Universe Boss' Chris Gayle is going to lead the batting alongside Australian powerhouse Aaron Finch. KL Rahul is a vital addition in the top order and will keep wickets. Mayank Agarwal is another player suited to play atop. In David Miller and Yuvraj Singh, they have a lot of experience in the middle. Karun Nair and Manoj Tiwary give them a solid bench strength.
Mayank Agarwal's biggest chance to impress
Mayank was the highest scorer in the Ranji and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Mayank's form is going to be crucial for KXIP. It will be interesting to see where he fits in the batting order. A superb campaign could lead to an Indian call-up.
Not many all-rounders in Punjab's set-up
KXIP do not have the luxury of many all-rounders. They used RTM on Marcus Stoinis, who has been a revelation for Australia. The in-form player is their main asset in the all-round department Axar Patel, whom they retained, is more of a bowling all-rounder. Therefore, Yuvraj Singh and Chris Gayle might also have to chip in with some overs.
In Stoinis, KXIP find their solace
Stoinis will be their key asset in giving them the cushion of pace bowling and an able finisher with the bat. The Aussie will walk into the side with an aim to build his reputation as a match-winner. His presence for Australia has been handy.
Bowling a surprise entity for KXIP
Andrew Tye is an intelligent pick for KXIP. The pacer has been Australia's regular option in limited-overs format. It will be interesting to see which batsman they drop to accommodate him. Mohit Sharma is dependable and key during the death overs. In Ankit Rajpoot and Barinder Sran they lack the gloss. R Ashwin will lead the spin show with Afghanistan's Mujeeb Zadran a back-up.
Ashwin will have to be wrecker-in-chief
Ashwin's decision making is vital and with a lot of experienced foreign stars, he will get desired help. His new tricks in bowling will be key to get wickets. He is the senior most amongst the bowlers and will want to lead by example.
What's our take on Kings XI Punjab?
KXIP need their batsmen to win games regularly. They have one of the best batting line-ups. The spin department looks experienced. But their weak pace department and Ashwin's inexperience as a skipper could separate Punjab from the teams which will reach play-offs.
