IPL 2019: What Should be KXIP's Ideal Playing XI
The Kings XI Punjab had retained the least number of players before the auction(9) and they had the need and the purse to be the biggest buyers in the auction and they surely were. Their big signings include Sam Curran (₹7.2 Crore), Mohammed Shami (₹4.8 Crore), Nicholas Pooran (₹4.2 Crore) and the auction's joint highest bid, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy (₹8.4 Crore).
After a long time, the KXIP seems to have picked out a balanced squad which seems to be a bit short of experience in Indian conditions but they can manage. With Mike Hesson being the man in charge, KXIP certainly have what it takes to lift the IPL trophy, something which they haven't done over these 11 years. They actually have a problem of plenty and it will be a tough choice as to who will be the overseas players in the side.
Let's take a look at the ideal playing XI for the Kings XI Punjab.
Openers- KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal
As soon as Chris Gayle's name isn't here, there will be a lot of arguments for him to start the matches but truth be told, he doesn't fit into this team. He's old and his fielding and running between the wickets are poor. And batting wise, his form isn't what it used to be and even in T20 leagues like the BPL, Gayle isn't firing. To waste an overseas spot on him would be immoral and completely not what they want at the start of the new season.
KL Rahul was at his best last season and was one of their best players. Despite having to double up as a wicket keeper, Rahul managed to score 659 runs in 14 matches at a great strike-rate of 158. Rahul needn't don the gloves this season if Nicholas Pooran is playing and this will give him more control and focus over his batting. He's going through a lean patch right now and will hope that the IPL will whip him into shape.
Mayank Agarwal disappointed last season but considering that he wasn't opening the batting and often came in during odd situations, we can cut him some slack. Agarwal after the IPL has been completely different, though and after smashing his way through innumerable First Class matches, he earned his Test cap in Australia and batted really well there. With Gayle's presence upsetting the team balance, the KXIP camp must trust this young gun with the responsibility of batting at the top.
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