We can say that Kings XI Punjab is the same as Royal Challengers Bangalore. Kings XI Punjab is adorned with best players like Adam Gilchrist, Virender Sehwag, R Ashwin, etc. But all they can’t manage to be the real contenders for the Indian Premier League title except on some occasions.
We can take the example of the 2018 IPL. They had begun the tournament like a bullet but towards the end, they failed to handle. Kings XI Punjab won only a single match in out of eight matches and even couldn’t qualify for play-off levels. In 2019 IPL also, the same type of situation had occurred. In the 2020 IPL, KL Rahul is the new captain of the team. Can he able to manage the team and write a new history?
Stumpsandbails analyzed the team completely with some crucial points. So, let’s look at those.
1. Strength
Definitely Kings XI Punjab has some very good cricketers in its hands and it begins with captain KL Rahul. The Karnataka player has the capability to take the match away from the opponent team in a moment while opening the match. They have extraordinary destructive forces like Glenn Maxwell, Karun Nair, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal and all-rounder Jimmy Neesham blends power with class. K Gowtham, who is bought from Rajasthan Royals can be a dangerous weapon for the opponent team. Thet have a nice bowling unit also comprising Mujib ur Rahman, Mohammed Shami, Sheldon Cottrell, M Ashwin, and Chris Jordan. On the slow surface of UAE, Ashwin and Mujib could do better and both they have a good record in UAE also.
2. Weakness
Although Kings XI Punjab has a very good first line-up, their back-up line is not that much inspirable. The team has fantastic young talents but untested. In case there will be problem in the front line, the complete team will go down very quickly. Gayle is a tremendous force for the team, no doubt on that, but at 41 can be able to bring that much intensity.
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Squad
KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Arshdeep Singh, Darshan Nalkande, Hardus Vilojen, K Gowtham, Harpreet Brar, Karun Nair, J Suchith, Mandeep Singh, Mohammed Shami, Mayank Agarwal, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Nicholas Pooran, M Ashwin, Sarfaraz Khan, Sheldon Cottrell, Glenn Maxwell, Deepak Hooda, Ravi Bishnoi, Ishan Porel, Jimmy Neesham, Tajinder Singh, Chris Jordan, Simran Singh.
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Stars to watch
KL Rahul, Glenn Maxwell, Chris Gayle, Mohammed Shami, Mayank Agarwal.
5. IPL Prediction
At this time, Kings XI Punjab will have to produce stable, tough cricket to challenge strong teams like Chennai Super Kings or Mumbai Indians and enter the play-offs. It will be difficult for them but they have to do it.
