IPL 2018: Four possible opening combinations for KXIP
So, the clock is ticking away for the IPL 2018 to start and as we enter the final week in the build-up to the marquee tournament. Today let us subtly analyze one of the enigmatic franchise in the history of the tournament- the Kings XI Punjab.
Over the years, every franchise has built its own city base with loyal fans thronging into the stadium match after match irrespective of how their favorite players perform. You cannot say the same for the Kings XI Punjab though as the franchise has struggled to find their identity as a whole, mainly because of lackluster performances they've displayed over the course of the past ten years.
They started well in 2008 where they made it into the top four and then another brilliant one in 2014, where they entered the finals for the very first time under George Bailey's leadership, with the likes of Miller, Maxwell, and Saha all coming to the fore. But, just as it seemed the franchise had finally settled itself, three unsuccessful stints followed in 2015, 2016 and 2017, forcing the team owners to retain just Axar Patel and start again with a clean slate.
Besides all the changes, one refreshing change that KXIP has brought about in their squad is that in Karun Nair, KL Rahul, Chris Gayle and Aaron Finch, they have a plethora of options when it comes to opening pair combinations.
Today, we will have a look at the possible opening combination that KXIP have at their disposal. Here's a look at the four possible opening combinations for KXIP:
#4 Chris Gayle and KL Rahul
A farrago of destruction and finesse, Chris Gayle and KL Rahul can be an ideal combination at the top of the order for KXIP.
Both Rahul and Gayle have batted together in the past for the Royal Challengers Bangalore and will be aware of the psyche of each other, so important for an opening pair.
While Gayle can lay ferocious attacks on the opposition in the powerplay overs, Rahul with his technical expertise can play as an anchor to the innings while taking on the bowlers if the situation arises.