IPL 2017 KXIP vs DD: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) probable playing 11 against Delhi Daredevils (DD)

After winning the first two matches of the season, there were a lot of expectations on Kings XI Punjab as many people expected them to go all the way. However, with only 1 win in their previous 6 matches, they currently sit at 6^th position in the table and are in danger of not qualifying for the playoffs.

Despite having a great batting line-up, their bowlers have caused a lot of problems for themselves as they have leaked a lot of runs in all the matches so far.

They will have to pull up their socks and revive their season when they come up against their rivals from the north – Delhi Daredevils at the PCA stadium in Punjab on April 30^th.

Here is their predicted XI for the match:

Martin Guptill got off to a blistering start in the previous encounter which was his first match of the tournament but was not able to convert that into a big score. Given his hard hitting ability and the fact that Hashim Amla has a hamstring injury, Guptill will be given another chance to shine.

Manan Vohra: Apart from his magnificent knock of 95, he has not been performing too well. He has scored only 74 runs if we do not count his 95 run knock. He will need to pull up his socks and get a big score on the board if he wants to retain his place in the playing XI for the upcoming matches.

Shaun Marsh almost took the game away from defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 28^th but was unfortunately dismissed towards the end of the innings thanks to Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s smart bowling. He has been the best batsman for KXIP over the years and has been with the team since the inception of the tournament in 2008.

Glenn Maxwell has had a few good performances with the bat at the beginning of the tournament but has not performed too well over the past few matches. His captaincy tactics have also been questionable as his side are in danger of finishing at the bottom of the table for the third time in a row.

Eoin Morgan has got off to a good start in all the three matches he has played but has not been able to convert that into a big score. However, given the fact that he has finished a lot of games in the past in the IPL for the different sides he has played for and for his country, he will be given another chance to prove his worth.

Extra Cover: KXIP vs DD Live Score and Commentary

Wriddhiman Saha has had a disastrous IPL campaign with the bat and has managed to score 69 runs in 7 innings at an average of 9.85. A move up the order might help his cause as he has shown in the previous seasons. His wicket-keeping skills have been top notch and he would be hoping to do something with the bat as well.

Axar Patel has been one of the standout performers for the Punjab franchise – both with the bat and the ball. He has troubled batsman with his variations with the ball and has been dangerous with the bat as well. He will be looking to make a point for himself and make the national selectors take note of his performances.

Anureet Singh played his first match against the Sunrisers and did not have a great outing. He gave away 26 runs with the ball and bowled only 2 overs. He did not show a little promise with the bat scoring a quick fire 15 and will most likely be given another chance to make a mark for himself.

Mohit Sharma’s career has gone downward since his inclusion in the 2015 World Cup squad held in Australia and New Zealand. He has had a decent tournament but has looked quite wary at the death as he has leaked a lot of runs. However, given the lack of bowling options, KXIP will continue to persist with him for the next few matches as well.

T Natarajan was out of the previous match as he was sore from an injury he had incurred but will most likely be fit for the match against their rivals. He has played only 3 matches but has looked quite impressive and has the third best economy rate out of all the bowlers who have played for the side this season.

KC Cariappa has the nack of picking up important wickets and that’s why he was drafted into the playing XI. Like all the other KXIP bowlers, he too has leaked a lot runs and will be looking to improve on that aspect of the game to retain his place in the side.