IPL 2018, KXIP vs KKR: Kings XI Punjab predicted playing XI to take on Kolkata Knight Riders

The Kings XI Punjab find themselves in a spot of bother after a few ups and downs over the past few weeks. They have won only one out of their previous four encounters and are facing a few problems as we approach the playoffs.

They will have to win two more matches to confirm their place in the playoffs and in order to do so, they will need to pull up their socks.

There were rumours of a rift in the team management after their loss against the Rajasthan Royals in their previous encounter but they were put to rest by team owner, Priety Zinta.

R Ashwin was praised for his captaincy in the first few matches but he has made some questionable decisions over the past few matches.

KKR, too, have not been in form and KXIP would thus look to ensure they are able to secure a win against them and get their season back on track.

Let's take a look at their predicted XI:

Chris Gayle has been one of the bargain buys of the season, having been bought for his base price of Rs. 2 crores. He justified his price tag big time by scoring four fifty-plus` scores, including a blazing century against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He has failed in the previous two encounters and will look to make amends this time around.

KL Rahul has been one of the best batsmen of the tournament and is in contention to win the Orange Cap. He has single-handedly won a few matches for his side and will be key to Punjab's fortunes in the upcoming matches.

Akshdeep Nath played his first match against the Royals and failed to make an impact. However, the team management will surely give him another chance given the fact that Mayank Agarwal failed to get going in any of the matches he played.

Karun Nair has had a few ups and downs this season. He started off well with a half-century and got a few good stars here and there but failed to capitalise on those. He will need to step up and provide stability in the middle-order.

Manoj Tiwary has played three games so far and has not had much to do. He should be used at no. 5, which is his ideal batting position and if the team management obliges, we could see him provide some valuable runs in the middle order.

Marcus Stoinis has been a positive addition to the playing XI, lower down the order. He has provided the finishing touch to the innings on a number of occasions and has contributed with the ball as well.

Axar Patel has not played too many matches this season but has come good in those matches which he played. He is yet to make a mark with the bat and will be hoping to do so in the upcoming matches.

Ravichandran Ashwin has performed quite well this season but a few of his captaincy tactics have come under the scanner over the past few matches. He will look to guide his side back to winning ways and qualify for the playoffs as soon as possible.

Andrew Tye has had quite a topsy-turvy season so far. He has picked up a good number of wickets but has been quite expensive as well. However, he will continue to lead the pace attack for Punjab.

Barinder Sran will most likely replace Mohit Sharma for the upcoming match as the latter leaked a lot of runs and did not pick up any wickets. Sran was impressive in a few games and will hope to come good against KKR.

Mujeeb ur Rahman has been the pick of the bowlers for KXIP this season and in fact, has been one of the best bowlers in the entire tournament itself. He is one of the contenders for the Emerging Players of the Season award and will hope to guide his side to the playoffs this season.