IPL 2018: Comprehensive team analysis and probable playing XIs

Kings XI Punjab

Ashwin will be captaining an IPL team for the first time

The Kings will try to put their abysmal show in the last couple of seasons behind them and start afresh this season. They have built a strong squad for the purpose and will give a tough fight to the other teams this year.

Kings XI Punjab Squad

Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin, Yuvraj Singh, Karun Nair, KL Rahul, David Miller(RTM card), Aaron Finch, Marcus Stoinis, Mayank Agarwal, Ankit Rajpoot, Manoj Tiwary, Mohit Sharma, Mujeeb Zadran, Barinder Sran, Andrew Tye, Akshdeep Nath, Ben Dwarshuis, Pradeep Sahu, Mayank Dagar, Chris Gayle, Manzoor Dar

Batsmen - Kings XI Punjab have a problem of plenty when it comes to batting, especially the opening combination. In Chris Gayle and Aaron Finch they have international superstars who can bludgeon any bowling-attack, while they have KL Rahul who has been fantastic playing for RCB at the top of the order. With Mayank Agarwal in the type of form that he is in right now, it will be a headache for the team management to decide their opening combination.

They have a decent middle order too with Karun Nair, Yuvraj Singh, Manoj Tiwary and David Miller. Kings XI are one of the most dangerous batting sides which can blast any opposition bowling attack on their day.

Wicket Keeper - Kings XI are perhaps the only side who have concerns in this area. They have two players who can keep wickets for them, KL Rahul and Akshdeep Nath. As it will be difficult for Akshdeep to get into the playing XI, KL Rahul will have to take the wicket-keeping duties which might take a toll on his batting.

All-rounders - Axar Patel and Marcus Stoinis are the designated all-rounders of the side. Axar Patel has lost his place in the playing XI of the Indian team and will have a point to prove this IPL. On the other hand, Marcus Stoinis has had an exceptional start to his international career for Australia and Kings XI will hope that Stoinis carries the same form in the IPL.

Bowlers - Kings XI's bowling might be a cause for concern. Their captain Ravi Ashwin missed the last season because of an injury and it will be a challenge for him to get back in his groove and in the reckoning for the national T20 and ODI sides. They don't have much experience in the pace bowling department either with only Mohit Sharma and Andrew Tye having substantial IPL experience. Bowling in the powerplays and at the death can be an area of concern for the side.

Predicted playing XI - Aaron Finch, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Yuvraj Singh, David Miller, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin (C), Andrew Tye, Mohit Sharma, Barinder Sran