CLT20 2014: SWOT analysis of Kings XI Punjab

In their debut season, the Kings XI team looks like a formidable unit. They went through the IPL with a freshness of approach and a boldness of trundle that left even intimidating teams like Chennai Super Kings razed. Their juggernaut was brought to a standstill by Manish Pandey’s heroics in the final, but until then Kings looked like the team that would lift the trophy. Preity Zinta has been probably the most dedicated owner after Shahrukh and she can definitely hope for some silverware from this unit of hers. Kudos to the management for picking a Kings XI Punjab team that has a brilliant blend of strengths, an aggressive streak in one batsman complemented by a calm one, a scary-fast bowler complemented by a seasoned and experienced campaigner.

#1 Strengths

The biggest strength of the team is its top 5, which is rivalled only by Chennai Super Kings. On a good day, they can come really hard at you. Virender Sehwag, Wriddhiman Saha, David Miller, Glenn Maxwell and George Bailey are all quality batsmen equally capable on both, turning and fast pitches. Throw in domestic players like Manan Vohra and Mandeep Singh and you have a chunky batting unit. They have a good problem because Thisara Perera is left out to accommodate the fiery-fast Mitchell Johnson.

Their other strength is their bowling unit which has variety. Johnson’s searing pace is complemented by Balaji’s experience with bowling on slow, domestic pitches. The young Akshar Patel has really been impressive in tightening the screws with his slow left-arm spin. Punjab can also bring in Himachal’s young all-rounder Rishi Dhawan who has contributed with bat and ball in the last IPL season. Parvinder Awana on his day is brisk and can move the ball, making the Kings XI team the complete unit.

What makes them better than the sum of their parts is the cool-headed George Bailey, who is in the MS Dhoni mould of captaincy, composed at all times and assertive without being furious. Their coach Sanjay Bangar is the behind-the-scenes strength that drives the Punjab engine.