Kings XI Punjab is one of the most underperformed sides in the IPL along with Delhi Capitals and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Kings XI Punjab started well in the tournament in IPL 2008, Punjab reached semifinals in 2008.
Then there were ups and downs in every season for Kings XI Punjab but never reached in top 4.
In 2014, Punjab bought Virender Sehwag, Glenn Maxwell, George Bailey etc.
Punjab was favourites in IPL 2014 and played fearless Cricket. KXIP was very dominant in that IPL.
Punjab was defeated by KKR in IPL 2014 final and that was their best performance ever.
But after that, Punjab never able to find their best players or permanent players.
Punjab released Bailey, Johnson, Maxwell, Miller etc. and another problem with Punjab is not have a Captain.
In 2016, David Miller was Captain in the first half and later Murali Vijay was appointed Captain in the second half.
Glenn Maxwell led the side in IPL 2017 and Punjab finished at 5th in the points table.
However, in IPL 2018 and 2019 Punjab started well and lost their momentum in final games.
In 2019, they have appointed KL Rahul as their Captain.
So, here is what is the best playing XI of Kings XI Punjab: –
Openers
KL Rahul(c and wk) and Chris Gayle
KL Rahul is Kings XI Punjab’s Captain in IPL 2020. Rahul is highest run-scorer for Punjab in 2018 and 2019.
KL Rahul has improved a lot in the last 2-3 years and has matured. Rahul could be a full-time player and Captain for Punjab side.
All-time Best T20 Batsman may play his last IPL season as his age is concerned.
Gayle and Rahul’s opening is one of the best firepowers in any IPL side. Both can hit big sixes and can play long innings.
Gayle has scored 6 IPL Hundreds in 125 innings and has hit 326 sixes. Gayle has 40+ average with a strike rate of 151.
Mayank Agarwal
Very talented Indian Batsman, Mayank Agarwal has not yet performed for Kings XI Punjab according to expectations and talent.
However, last year he played cameos and some good innings. Problem with Mayank is he doesn’t have any big knock to his name while playing for KXIP.
This year, he needs to show his talent, otherwise could be the last season for him for KXIP.
Glenn Maxwell
Glenn Maxwell is one of the best T20 players in the World. Maxwell is fearless and unorthodox cricketer.
Maxwell is an asset to any T20 side in the World. Glenn Maxwell was their best player in 2014.
Maxwell can win you games on his own. Glenn Maxwell is also a handy bowler and brilliant fielder.
Nicholas Pooran
Nicholas Pooran is in good touch with the bat in recent times and is a clean-striker of the ball.
Pooran could be a match-winner for Kings XI Punjab. Pooran last year scored 148 runs at a strike rate of 157.
Nicholas Pooran can hit big sixes and can win games for Punjab single-hahndedly.
Deepak Hooda
Deepak Hooda is very talented and hard hitter batsman. Hooda is not in good touch in recent times with the bat.
It would be not wrong if I say Hooda was not utilized properly by Sunrisers Hyderabad.
KL Rahul needs to back him. He could be an asset for a side and can play cameos and fast innings.
Krishnappa Gowtham
Karnataka all-rounder is in fine form both with the bat and bowl. K Gowtham is giving Punjab a much-needed depth in batting.
Gowtham is a man who can be very effective with the ball in the start and can win you games with the bat in tough situations.
Sheldon Cottrell
KXIP needed foreign fast bowler who can bowl in death and in the start. Sheldon Cottrell is a wicket-taker and who doesn’t allow batsmen to go after him easily.
Chris Jordan is also a good backup bowler.
Mohammed Shami
Another fast and effective bowler. Shami was highest wicket-taker for Kings XI Punjab last year with 19 wickets in 14 games.
This year Cottrell and Shami will lead the pace attack. A lot of Punjab’s bowling will depend on these two.
Murugan Ashwin
Murugan Ashwin will be the most senior spin bowler in Punjab’s team and will lead the attack in bowling.
Ishan Porel
This year in Punjab’s Team, most bowlers are uncapped. Ishan Porel is doing well in domestic.
Porel has good pace and economical bowler.
If Kings XI Punjab feel, bowling is not much effective they can be bought Mujeeb Ur Rahman in place of Nicholas Pooran.
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