IPL 2017: 5 players KXIP would want to retain
Kings XI Punjab may have failed to reach the playoffs in IPL 2017, but they played some high-quality cricket throughout the tournament and hence were exciting to watch. The team had several flaws but even then they ended up winning seven of their from 14 games and were at number five on the points table, courtesy of some brilliant individual performances.
Kings XI is fortunate to have several highly consistent players in their ranks that are ideal for the formation of a strong T20 unit. Hence, the team management will be looking forward to retaining some players for the next year as these players add tremendous value to the Punjab franchise.
We look at the five most valuable players whom Punjab should retain for the next IPL season.
#1 Shaun Marsh
Kings XI have always favoured Shaun Marsh due to his consistency and solid technique with the bat. The left-hand batsman is one of the very few cricketers in the IPL who has played for the same franchise throughout their IPL career and Punjab will be keen on continuing their relationship with Marsh.
Courtesy of his strong technique, the left-hand batsman brings solidarity to the top order and is known to play big innings. With 2477 runs under his belt the Aussie brings immense experience into the team and his strike rate of 132.74 means he can score runs at a brisk pace as well.
The orange cap winner of the inaugural IPL season, Marsh has the ability to bat according to the situation. He can survive the threat of both pace and swing with ease and is also capable of hitting big shots when required to. His stable head and strong mindset make him a highly reliable player and hence he is the perfect option for the role of sheet anchor.