IPL 2019: What Should be KXIP's Ideal Playing XI

The Kings XI Punjab had retained the least number of players before the auction(9) and they had the need and the purse to be the biggest buyers in the auction and they surely were. Their big signings include Sam Curran (₹7.2 Crore), Mohammed Shami (₹4.8 Crore), Nicholas Pooran (₹4.2 Crore) and the auction's joint highest bid, mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy (₹8.4 Crore).

After a long time, the KXIP seems to have picked out a balanced squad which seems to be a bit short of experience in Indian conditions but they can manage. With Mike Hesson being the man in charge, KXIP certainly have what it takes to lift the IPL trophy, something which they haven't done over these 11 years. They actually have a problem of plenty and it will be a tough choice as to who will be the overseas players in the side.

Let's take a look at the ideal playing XI for the Kings XI Punjab.

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Openers- KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal

Mayank Agarwal(L) and KL Rahul(R)

As soon as Chris Gayle's name isn't here, there will be a lot of arguments for him to start the matches but truth be told, he doesn't fit into this team. He's old and his fielding and running between the wickets are poor. And batting wise, his form isn't what it used to be and even in T20 leagues like the BPL, Gayle isn't firing. To waste an overseas spot on him would be immoral and completely not what they want at the start of the new season.

KL Rahul was at his best last season and was one of their best players. Despite having to double up as a wicket keeper, Rahul managed to score 659 runs in 14 matches at a great strike-rate of 158. Rahul needn't don the gloves this season if Nicholas Pooran is playing and this will give him more control and focus over his batting. He's going through a lean patch right now and will hope that the IPL will whip him into shape.

Mayank Agarwal disappointed last season but considering that he wasn't opening the batting and often came in during odd situations, we can cut him some slack. Agarwal after the IPL has been completely different, though and after smashing his way through innumerable First Class matches, he earned his Test cap in Australia and batted really well there. With Gayle's presence upsetting the team balance, the KXIP camp must trust this young gun with the responsibility of batting at the top.

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Middle Order- Karun Nair, Nicholas Pooran (Wicket Keeper), David Miller and Mandeep Singh

Karun Nair and David Miller

Karun Nair should come in at No. 3 for KXIP. He was good in patches last season and scored a good fifty in the first match but wasn't able to convert starts into big scores. He's certainly a very talented player and if deployed perfectly this season, he can really shine.

Nicholas Pooran will be the differential for Kings XI Punjab. He's a very talented, young keeper-batsman and his performance in the T10 League and BPL have been simply astounding. He's very aggressive and can be the Glenn Maxwell who did the same in 2014. Pooran can tear bowling attacks apart on his own and he should certainly feature in the starting XI, come what may.

One major problem for the Kings XI Punjab last season was their middle order and it's really surprising that they didn't turn to David Miller, their best player in recent times. Miller has saved Punjab from defeat on many occasions and is truly a star in the IPL. His big hits and innings earned him his nickname, Killer Miller. He's in great form now and it should continue to the IPL. Miller won't be staying for the entire tournament, hence KXIP must use him to his fullest when he's available.

Mandeep Singh remains to be the most underappreciated IPL players. In the last couple of seasons, he has played under Kohli and ABD's shadows saving the team from many troublesome situations and is yet unheralded. RCB traded Mandeep for Marcus Stoinis and Mandeep can certainly don the role of a proper middle order batsman for Punjab.

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All Rounder and Spinners- Sam Curran, Ravichandran Ashwin and Varun Chakravarthy

Ravichandran Ashwin

A lot has been expected of Sam Curran ever since he won the 'Man of the Series' against India in the Test series. He's a very talented all rounder and brings an edge into the side. He's equally well versed in striking the ball as much as he is in swinging it. He will be one player to watch out for this season.

Ashwin is most likely to continue with his leadership role though he wasn't at his best both with marshalling his troops or with his own bowling. He will hope that that can change this time around.

Varun Chakravarthy brings a lot of mystery behind him and is pretty unknown to most of the batsman. After his exploits in the TNPL and Vijay Hazare Trophy, Varun must aim for success in this mega event.

Pacers- Andrew Tye and Ankit Rajpoot

Ankit Rajpoot

Andrew Tye won the Purple Cap last season and impressed with his slower deliveries, bouncers and wide line yorkers. His availability for the entire season remains a doubt but he's a shoo-in into the playing lineup if he's available.

Ankit Rajpoot came in late last season but impressed with his good swing bowling at the start of the innings and must get a lot of opportunities to play this season. He can be a game changer for the team.

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