IPL 2016, KXIP vs DD Playing 11:Probable XI for Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils
The 36th match of the VIVO IPL 2016 will see the Kings XI Punjab take on the Delhi Daredevils at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali. DD have played some good cricket under a new skipper in the form of Zaheer Khan and are currently placed 3rd in the points table with 10 points in their kitty. KXIP, on the other hand, have not had a great time in the 2016 IPL and are placed right at the bottom of the table with just 2 wins in 6 matches. Delhi lost their previous game against the Rising Pune Supergiants and will be wanting to get back to winning ways. Punjab, though, will be hoping to shrug off their dismal performance so far and will want to win in order to keep themselves alive in the quest for a playoffs spot. Also read: Delhi Daredevils vs Kings XI Punjab Live Score and Commentary, IPL 2016
Here's the likely team which may represent the Kings XI Punjab on Saturday:
Batting
Apart from new skipper Murali Vijay, the batting has not shown much promise for the KXIP side. The right-hander is the only batsman to have scored more than 200 runs for his team this year. Southpaw Shaun Marsh looked good during the 6 matches that he played but he had to leave because of an injury and has been replaced by Hashim Amla.
Glenn Maxwell had been struggling for form thus far in the tournament before he struck a fine 68 against KKR in Punjab's previous match. Former skipper David Miller has been a real cause for concern this season with just 120 runs under his belt at an average of just over 17. Another top batsman who has been struggling is Wriddhiman Saha, who has only scored 92 runs in 6 innings.
KXIP will be looking for a drastic improvement on the batting front if they wish to put up a better showing in the 2016 IPL.
All-rounders
The all-rounders just haven't done enough to enable their team to win more matches this year. Axar Patel has been their best bet in terms of all-rounders but he has not performed too well with the bat barring a couple of cameos. Other all-rounders like Marcus Stoinis and Gurkeerat Singh Mann have not impressed much as well. A stronger effort will be needed from the all-rounders for Punjab to have any hope of making it past the league stage.
Bowling
Mohit Sharma has been the most successful bowler for the Kings XI Punjab with 10 wickets followed by Patel who has claimed 8 wickets in the tournament. Opening bowler Sandeep Sharma has been particularly impressive as he has picked up 7 wickets thus far and conceded his runs at an economy rate of just 6.55.
Apart from the trio, none of the KXIP bowlers has been able to make much of an impact this season. The entire bowling unit will have to perform for the 2014 finalists if they do not wish to emulate their disastrous performance from the 2015 IPL.
Probable Playing XI
Murali Vijay (c), Marcus Stoinis, Manan Vohra, Hashim Amla, Glenn Maxwell, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Farhaan Behardien, Axar Patel, KC Cariappa, Sandeep Sharma, Mohit Sharma.