IPL 2019: 3 Underrated players who can help KXIP win their first title

The 12th edition of Indian Premier League is just a week away. Teams have started to assemble and preparation are in full force. Due to the quality of cricket, the first eleven years were throughly enjoyed by fans. IPL 2019 promises to another enthralling season.

Chennai Supers Kings and Mumbai Indians have won the trophy three times whereas the likes of Kings XI Punjab, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Delhi Capitals are yet to lift the prestigious cup.

KXIP reached the finals in 2014, where they lost it to Kolkata Knight Riders. In the last four seasons, they have not even qualified for playoffs. Their bid for the maiden title will continue this year. This time they have done a good job at auction. They have as many as five frontline spinners and some quality domestic batsmen in form of Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Mandeep Singh.

Their campaign will kick-off on March 25 against Rajasthan Royals. In this article, we will look at 3 underrated players who can help their first title.

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#3 Andrew Tye

Andrew Tye

Despite having performed exceedingly well in the opportunities he has got, Australian fast-bowler Andrew Tye remains one of the most underrated players in the T20 landscape. With 24 wickets in 14 matches, Tye claimed the Purple Cap last year. His wicket came at an economy rate of eight runs per over and on an average; he picked up a wicket every 14th delivery.

Tye is a dexterous bowler possessing the ability to bowl a wide range of slower balls. He uses off-cutters, leg-cutters, and knuckleballs to counter batsmen in death-overs. The most impressive part is the control that he has got over these variations.

This year in Big Bash League, Tye picked up 17 wickets in 14 matches and was the Perth Scorchers’ highest wicket-taker. For KXIP, Tye will share death bowling duties along with Mohammed Shami. He is a critical figure in KXIP’s bid to lift their maiden title.

#2 David Miller

David Miller

David Miller is the fulcrum around which Kings XI Punjab middle order is built. He has been an integral part of the KXIP squad since 2013 and has made vital contributions in all these years. 2014 was his most successful season to date and it is no surprise that KXIP finished as runners-up that year

Miller is known for his explosive batting and acrobatic fielding. Batting at number five or six, the South African's chief role is to lend finishing touch to the innings. He holds the record of the third fastest 100 in the IPL history – 101 off just 38 balls including seven sixes and eight fours at IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali against RCB.

In 67 T20I matches, Miller has scored 1241 at an impressive strike-rate of 139.75. Miller also has captaincy experience which means that he will also assist management in taking crucial decisions. If Miller shines, then KXIP will stand a good chance of finally having their hands on the trophy.

#1 Mohammed Shami

Mohammed Shami

Kings XI Punjab released Mohit Sharma before the auction and they acquired the services of Mohammed Shami. Considering his recent form, Shami could be a smart pick by KXIP. After helping India in winning their first test series in Australia, Shami made a comeback in ODI outfit and he impressed one and all with his rhythm.

He was among wickets in both Australia and New Zealand; and is now India’s designated third fast-bowler for World Cup. Shami is predominantly a hit-the-deck bowler with an ability to move the ball in the air. KXIP home pitch at Mohali generally has a ting of grass on it which will aid Shami’s style of bowling.

In 70 international limited-overs matches, Shami has 121 wickets to his name. His wickets have come at a decent economy rate of around 5.7. KXIP will hope that the pace battery led by Shami can complement their strong spin department to help KXIP aim to improve their fortunes