IPL 9 Team Preview: Kings XI Punjab

Tags: Indian premier league 2016, Kings XI Punjab

Published on: Apr 08, 2016

Like so many strong teams in the IPL, for Kings XI Punjab too it has been a case of promising a lot, but delivering little.

Like so many strong teams in the IPL, for Kings XI Punjab too it has been a case of promising a lot, but delivering little. As a new season gets underway, they will look to put the past behind, and start afresh, with renewed hopes. In this endeavour of theirs, they have appointment the aggressive David Miller as their skipper for the season. The South African has been among the most destructive hitters for Punjab over the last couple of years, and has been rewarded with a chance to lead the team. It won't be an easy task considering the fact that he doesn't have a lot of leadership experience, at least not at the international level. At the same time, this is a challenge every fighting cricketer relishes.

Star batsmen: Murali Vijay, who rose to fame through the IPL, playing many match-winning knocks for Chennai Super Kings, is now part of the Punjab dugout. If Punjab have to do well, Vijay will have a major role to play. Then, there is also Shaun Marsh. The Aussie was the batsman of the tournament in 2008, and while he hasn't repeated his success since, he remains an integral part of the Punjab outfit. Then, there is of course skipper Miller, who will have to come up with the big strokes, at opportune moments. Among the Indian talents, there is Gurkeerat Singh, who has already played for India, and Manan Vohra as well.

Star bowlers: Australian speedster Mitchell Johnson may have retired from international cricket, but he will be leading the bowling attack for Punjab. Unlike at the international level, Johnson hasn't had much success in IPL, so he will be keen to do well. Johnson will have another speedster Kyle Abbott for company. Among Indian bowlers, Mohit Sharma will be one to watch out for. The ex-CSK bowler has been injured of late, so he must be keen to prove his fitness. Anureet Singh has played a few seasons now, and will be expected to deliver. Shardul Thakur is another name, who could get opportunities to prove his worth.

All-round prowess: Glenn Maxwell is the star all-rounder in the Punjab outfit. Even though he is known more for his massive hitting abilities, Maxwell has been decent with the ball in recent times and is an excellent fielder as well. Of course, if he can fire with the bat, nothing better. Rishi Dhawan and Axar Patel are two other handy cricketers who can chip in with both bat and ball, although the latter's record with the bat in recent times hasn't really been impressive. South Africa's Farhan Behardein and Australia's Marcus Stoinis are other options for Punjab in the all-round department.

Past performances: Punjab began the IPL well, reaching the semis in the inaugural edition, but since their performances have constantly gone down. Between 2009 and 2013, they were eliminated in the league stage every season. In 2014, they finally made it to the final, but came second best. Last season was like old times again as they were eliminated in the league round.

-- By A Cricket Analyst

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