IPL 2018, Match 16: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) probable playing XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
The Kings XI welcomed the Universe Boss Chris Gayle to their line-up in the previous game, and the left-hander offered a glimpse of his destructive abilities with a power packed 63 off 33 balls, as the KXIP amassed 197 in their allotted 20 overs.
Another thing that has been particularly impressive from the Kings' point of view is how well Ashwin has led his troops as a skipper. His plans have been immaculate - evident from the fact that he backed an under-fire Mohit Sharma to bowl the last over against a rampaging MS Dhoni in his side's previous game.
The Kings now host the 2016 IPL champions and the only unbeaten team left in the tournament, the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Here's a look at the 11 KXIP will field against SRH:
#1 KL Rahul (Wicket-Keeper)
Rahul lit up the tournament with the fastest fifty in the history of the IPL (51 off 15 balls) in his team's opener against Delhi Daredevils and has carried on his consistent run of form. However, in all three innings, Rahul failed to capitalize on starts (37 off 22 balls against CSK) and would be looking for a big innings against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
#2 Chris Gayle
The Universe Boss announced his arrival with a pulsating 63 off just 33 balls against CSK, and he is expected to open the innings alongside Lokesh Rahul against SRH.
#3 Mayank Agarwal
In at No.3 will be Mayank Agarwal. The Karnataka batsman scored a breezy 30 off 19 balls in the last match against CSK but got out at a crucial juncture of the match, triggering a mini-collapse. Mayank has chipped in with handy contributions and would be looking to up the ante in the next match, and convert a start into a substantial innings.
#4 Yuvraj Singh
At No. 4 will be the Prince of Punjab, Yuvraj Singh. After a string of ordinary returns, Yuvraj displayed a glimpse of his best in the previous match against CSK. The encounter against SRH, his previous franchise, offers the left-hander a chance to redeem his IPL 2018 campaign.
#5 Aaron Finch
The cornerstone of KXIP's batting line-up, Aaron Finch, has got off to an indifferent start, having registered back-to-back golden ducks. Expect the Australian to come out firing on all cylinders against SRH.
#6 Karun Nair
Coming in at No. 6 will be Karun Nair. The Karnataka batsman has carried his rich vein of form from the domestic season into the IPL, chipping in with handy cameos of 29 against RCB and CSK to go along with a lovely fifty off 33 balls in the first game against his former team Delhi Daredevils.
#7 Ravi Ashwin (Captain)
Apart from his bowling (1-32 in the last match vs CSK), the real talking point in this year's IPL has been Ashwin's captaincy.
Ashwin's guile, as well as his temperament, have rubbed onto the KXIP team, and it'll be interesting to see how he fares against SRH.
#8 Mujib Ur Rahman
The 17-year-old Mujib ur Rahman became the youngest IPL debutant, in KXIP's tournament opener.
Mujib has impressed throughout the tournament and continued to do so in the last match against CSK (0-18 in 3 overs) where he bowled tight lines to create a stranglehold on the batsmen, which ultimately proved to be the difference.
#9 Barinder Sran
Coming in as a replacement for Axar Patel in the last game against CSK, Barinder Sran had an indifferent match, giving away 37 runs in four wicketless overs.
That said, Sran is expected to keep his place in the side for the match against SRH, and the fast-bowler would be looking to put on a good show for his side.
#10 Mohit Sharma
While Mohit had another indifferent bowling performance (1-47 in 4 overs), he held his own in the final over, giving away just 13 against MS Dhoni.
The fast bowler kept his cool and fired in wide yorkers to counter a rampaging Dhoni and he would be looking to contribute again against SRH.
#11 Andrew Tye
The Australian death-bowler has been a key component of KXIP's fast-bowling department, having taken three wickets in as many games thus far in the tournament.
While Tye has taken wickets, he's been a tad expensive and he will be looking to be more consistent in his line and length in the next game against SRH.
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