IPL 2020 auction: 4 players who can replace David Miller at Kings XI Punjab
Kings XI Punjab releasing David Miller ahead of the 2020 IPL auction was quite an unexpected move considering the South African batsman was a mainstay in the squad for several seasons.
Miller, who made his IPL debut in 2012 for Kings XI Punjab, announced his arrival with a 38-ball century against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Mohali in 2013. He has been prolific with the bat for Punjab, scoring 1850 runs in 79 matches at a strike-rate of 138.78.
He also led the franchise in six matches during IPL 2016. Unfortunately though, Punjab lost five of those matches, which led to Miller being replaced by Murali Vijay for the rest of the season.
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Miller's slump in form the last few seasons has eventually made Kings XI Punjab release one of their longest-serving members. The second-highest run-getter for Punjab will now have to move on from the IS Bindra Stadium and find a new home in IPL 2020.
At 30, Miller has several years of cricket left in him and he will be hoping to make a mark once again in the IPL for a brand new franchise.
Kings XI Punjab, however, must try to find an ideal replacement for the outgoing Miller to strengthen their beleaguered middle-order. Here are four options they can consider at the upcoming auction:
#4 Eoin Morgan
England's 2019 World Cup-winning captain last appeared in the IPL in 2017, where he represented Kings XI Punjab. The 33-year-old, who unfortunately found no buyers at the last two editions, will be hoping to make a comeback to the cash-rich league this time with a lucrative contract.
The southpaw is currently plying his trade at the Abu Dhabi T10 league. He had an excellent run with the bat during the victorious 2019 World Cup campaign at home, amassing 371 runs in 10 innings.
During his whirlwind knock against Afghanistan at Old Trafford (148 off just 71 balls), the England skipper created the record for the most sixes (17 sixes) by an individual in an ODI innings and the fastest hundred by an English batsman at the Wold Cup (off just 57 balls).
An experienced T20 campaigner, Morgan has represented four IPL franchises so far - Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab. He has also had stints in the Big Bash League, the Caribbean Premier League and the Pakistan Super League.
Known for his big-hitting capabilities, Morgan's addition will be a major boost for Punjab who desperately need proven batsmen to contribute low down the order as well finish off games.