IPL 2018: Probable starting XI for KXIP

Kings XI Punjab have been one of the most inconsistent sides in the IPL since its inception in 2008. The Preity Zinta co-owned franchise started the IPL on a positive note, winning 10 of their 14 matches in the maiden edition of the league. But since then the franchise hit poor form and currently has the second lowest win percentage among the original 8 franchises.

However, the Lions have shown great intent this season. The franchise had a go at most of the big names in the auctions and have ended up with a really solid squad this season. The squad reflects balance in all departments and will be eager to end their title drought in the upcoming edition.

The probable playing XI for the team is mentioned below.

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#1 Openers

1.Aaron Finch

The Aussie batsman is considered as one of the cleanest strikers of the white ball. His presence at the top adds firepower to KXIP's batting line up. He averages a massive 37.73 with an impressive strike rate of 148.36 in T20's. Tough he had a poor outing in the IPL last year, he has got the potential to dismantle any bowling line-up.

2.K.L Rahul

The Karnataka batsman was bought by KXIP for a whopping Rs 11 crore. KL was unfortunate to miss the last edition of the tournament due to injury and will look to bounce back with a strong performance this year. He will most likely be donning the wicket-keeping gloves for the team this season. He has recently played some good innings for the Indian team and will be high on confidence before the tournament.

#2 Middle Order

3.Karun Nair

Nair was an integral part of the Delhi Daredevils batting line until the previous edition. His performance in the IPL has been good so far and will look to continue these performances for his new franchise. His presence in the squad brings stability and the mental balance required to win matches.

4.Yuvraj Singh

Yuvi is considered one of the most lethal batsman in the T20 format. His knowledge of the game makes him an important addition to the squad. He possesses the power to clear the fence with ease and put the opposition under pressure. He has been off his peak in the recent time and will look to make a comeback in the national side by performing well in the IPL.

5.David Miller

The South African is one of the most dangerous players in the IPL. Miller has produced some of the most finest innings in the IPL. His finishing abilities at the death makes him a vital addition in the squad. Miller has been with the Lions since past 5 seasons. It was no surprise that the lions used their Right to Match card to avail the services of the talented left-hander.

6.Manoj Tiwary

The presence of Tiwary adds extra depth to the batting line up. He has an experience of almost 100 IPL matches and could be a handy batsman down the order. He has played for several franchises but it was his inconsistency that has let him down. Consistency will be something he would like to improve in this edition.

#3 All-rounders

7.Axar Patel

Axar Patel is arguably the one of the best finds of theIPL. He was the best performer for the KXIP in the last edition of the IPL. He can bat at any order and is more than useful with his left-arm spin bowling. He has been with the Indian team since a while and will surely have gained a lot of experience. The fans will be hoping for another outstanding performance from him this year as well.

8.Marcus Stoinis

The Aussie all-rounder was retained by KXIP by using the RTM. He had a good performance with the bat as well as with the ball for the Lions last year and will be hoping to deliver a much better performance the upcoming edition of the IPL.

#4 Bowlers

9.R Ashwin

Ravi Ashwin can be considered one of the best picks of KXIP this auction. He was picked by KXIP for a hefty sum of 7.6 crore. He has some outstanding numbers in the IPL so far and will be looking the deliver similar performances for his new franchise. He had to miss the last edition of the IPL due to injury and will be eager to make a strong comeback.

10.Mohit Sharma

The former CSK fast bowler has been impressive in the IPL with his change of pace, for which the batsmen have no answer. His economy at the death is difficult to match. He picked up 13 wickets from 14 matches in IPL 2017 and is expected to lead the pace attack.

11.Andrew Tye

The Aussie bowler has been in impressive form in the the current Big Bash League. He holds the record for the best bowling figures in IPL 2017. He picked up 12 wickets from 6 matches for Gujarat Lions in the last edition and will be high on confidence before entering IPL 2018.