IPL 7: It's now or never for Kings XI Punjab

David Miller will be crucial to the chances of KXIP

The Kings XI Punjab handsomely won the pre-IPL battle in the auctions earlier this year. The Mohali based franchisee managed to buy some of the most destructive set of players suited for the shortest form of the game and that too at bargain price. But, the real battle begins now in the center as the newly look team competes against seven other rivals in its quest for the maiden IPL title.

IPL Flashback:

It has been a tough journey so far for the owners and fans of Kings XI. The team’s best performance came six years back in the inaugural season of the IPL where they managed to reach the semi final under Yuvraj Singh’s captaincy. KXIP finished last in IPL 3 and narrowly missed out to make the cut for knockouts in IPL 2009, 2011, 2012 and 2013 winning 50% of their league games.

Team Composition:

Kings XI Punjab boasts of a flamboyant opener in Virender Sehwag. The likes of Manan Vohra, Mandeep Singh and Shaun Marsh are strong contenders for the second opening slot. Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara is another player to look upon. The middle order brags of captain George Bailey, colossal hitter Glenn Maxwell and in form South African batsman David Miller who was the star of KXIP last year. The lower middle order options include Thisara Perera, wicket keeper Wriddhiman Saha and Gurkeerat Mann.

The bowling attack will be led by pacer Mitchell Johnson who is currently in the form of his life. The Indian names encompass Parwinder Awana, Laxmipathy Balaji, U19 star Sandeep Sharma and Ranji hero Rishi Dhawan. The lone specialist spinner is veteran Murali Kartik.

Strong Areas:

Captain Cool – George Bailey as captain is a good call as the Aussie apart from his batting prowess is known for his cool and calm head during crunch situations. A thorough gentleman indeed!

Powerhouse Batting Unit – Kings XI is full of lethal hitters of the ball like David Miller, Thisara Perera and Glenn Maxwell who have shown the ability to chase down mammoth totals and boosting up the run rate in a short span of time.

Weak Areas:

Wicket keeper conundrum – Wriddhiman Saha is an uncanny selection and this could create imbalance in the squad if he fails to click. Kings XI could go to Gurkeerat Mann who also keeps wickets.

Lack of spinners – Murali Kartik has an ordinary record in IPL so far and he is the only specialist spinner. His poor outing could spell doom for Kings XI Punjab on spin friendly wickets in India and UAE.

Players in the spotlight:

Virender Sehwag - The opener is banking on a good IPL season to re-ignite his hopes of playing for India again. A very crucial and critical test awaits for the Delhi batsman.

Mandeep Singh/Rishi Dhawan - Both these players are the backbone of their Ranji teams and are looking for a breakthrough into the Indian national team.

Heroes from the past:

Shaun Marsh – It is difficult to imagine Kings XI Punjab without the southpaw. Marsh has been consistently scoring for the team since IPL’s inception and remains a force to reckon with. He has 1903 runs to his name in 50 IPL games so far at an avearge of 44.25. But with the complexions changing this time around, he might see himself out of the team at least for the first few games.

David Miller – Miller became a household name in India after a stellar century against Royal Challengers Bangalore in the last IPL in Mohali. He was retained by the owners this time around in the auction.

The Squad:

George Bailey (c), Mitchell Johnson, David Miller, Glenn Maxwell, Virender Sehwag, Shaun Marsh, Cheteshwar Pujara, Gurkeerat Singh, Manan Vohra, Mandeep Singh, Rishi Dhawan, Thisara Perera, Akshar Patel, Karanveer Singh, Wriddhiman Saha(wk), Murali Kartik, Shivam Sharma, Beuran Hendricks, Lakshmipathy Balaji, Sandeep Sharma, Parvinder Awana, Anureet Singh, Shardul Thakur.