IPL 2014: Kings XI Punjab's ideal playing XI

Kings XI Punjab have ticked almost all their boxes in the IPL 2014 Player Auctions. They have learned from their previous years and have now put together a healthy mix of inform foreign and domestic players. With the new star power and the domestic talent, they are strong contenders for the title.

Here is what KXIP’s IPL 2014 starting XI should be.

1) Virender Sehwag

Virender Sehwag

Sehwag may have fallen out of national reckoning, and may not be in the best of forms, but his hitting ability is well documented and his IPL record is phenomenal. At just Rs 3.2 crores, he is a bargain buy. Should he regain his form this season, he can be one of the most destructive openers in the tournament. His experience is always welcome, and should the need arise, he can bowl handy off-spin as well.

2) Manan Vohra

Manan Vohra

The franchise showed great faith by retaining him. He played a couple of good knocks in the Ranji Trophy 2013-14. While he did showcase his abilities in patches with the franchise last season, he lacked maturity. A prospect for the future, he plays proper shots and can be very aggressive. This should be a good experience for him, and if he fires, KXIP and India could have a star in the making.

3) Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell

A tremendous striker of the ball, Maxwell has amazing T20 credentials. He showed his abilities during Australia’s tour of India last year and repeatedly bullied the India A and SA A sides during the triangular tournament, as well. He is a utility player, one who can play aggressively at the top of the order and also provide some lusty blows towards the finish. He has also been working on his spin bowling and could be quite handy on Indian pitches, should the IPL be held there.

4) George Bailey (Captain)

George Bailey

In the form of his life, and arguably Australia’s best limited overs batsmen, Bailey was a steal at Rs. 3.25 crores. He can steady the middle order and accelerate at will. He plays spin well and has shown his potential when he nearly won Australia the ODI series last fall. After a disappointing Ashes, he has again found form with consecutive 40+ scores against England in T20s and another 50 in the BBL final. A proven leader, he will undoubtedly be KXIP’s greatest asset.

5) David Miller

David Miller

KXIP’s player of the tournament last year, he almost single-handedly led them into the play offs. After his whirlwind 101* against RCB, Miller has played well for SA in ODIs and T20s and ended the Ram Slam T20 Challenge 2013-14 as the leading run-scorer. Miller is one of the best finishers in T20 cricket and will provide a lot of firepower to an already strong batting line-up.

6) Wriddhiman Saha (Wicket Keeper)

Wriddhiman Saha

On the fringes of Indian selection – had it not been for Dhoni – Saha could have been India’s first choice wicket-keeper. He is still solid in that department and can play some attractive shots as well. Alternatively, he also provides the calming hand; so he can be used to steady the innings higher up the order should early wickets fall.