IPL 2020: 3 potential captains KXIP can sign at the auctions

After a series of plot twists, the climax of the saga that involved Kings XI Punjab, Ravichandran Ashwin, and the Delhi Capitals was finally unveiled a few days ago. Both franchises confirmed Ashwin's switch from Mohali to Delhi for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League. Kings XI Punjab received Karnataka spinner Jagadeesha Suchith as part of this cash-plus-player deal.

Two seasons ago, in a major reshuffle of the squad, Kings XI Punjab procured the services of the Tamil Nadu spinner to take over the mantle of the team's lead-spinner and also the captaincy duties.

Although Ashwin began his captaincy journey on a bright note in IPL 2018, the team's dismal show in the second half of the tournament saw KXIP finish 7th on the table with 6 wins from 14 games.

Ashwin came under the scanner for a few controversial decisions in IPL 2019. However, his luck with captaincy did not change as KXIP finished this edition with the same number of wins as in 2018.

KL Rahul seems to be the only probable candidate in the current squad who has the ability to take over the captaincy duties from Ashwin. Having said that, KL is the team's best batsman and with a certain amount of pressure already on him, the team could consider giving the captaincy to a different player.

There are a couple of players in the auction pool whom KXIP could target to fill this void. Here is a list of three such captaincy candidates KXIP can find in the auction.

#3 Jason Holder

Jason Holder led Barbados Tridents to the CPL title in the recently concluded season

Jason Holder might not look an attractive proposition to become the captain of an IPL franchise. However, Jason's impressive leadership resume does help the player make a solid case for himself.

He recently captained Barbados Tridents to its second title in the Carribean Premier League. Although not the current captain of the West Indian T20 Team, Jason has led the team well in the past, especially in the ODI format.

24 wins from 86 ODI games is a disappointing record, but taking into account the absence of senior players and his inexperience at the highest level, Jason has actually done a decent job for West Indies.

Coming to his playing credentials, Jason has played 100 T20 games so far, picking 77 wickets and scoring 706 runs lower down the order. He relies on pace and bounce to trouble the batsmen while Jason is also a good death bowler. The 28-year-old is also a reliable lower-order batsman who can strike big on his day.

Andrew Tye is injured right now and the Aussie might take a while to get back to his best. Hence, KXIP should sign a player who can partner Mohammed Shami in the bowling department.

Although Jason Holder might not be appointed as a captain, he can help the leader of the team with a few valuable inputs on the field. If required, Jason is more than capable to take the mantle himself at any point in a season.

Also see – World Test Championship Schedule

#2 Aaron Finch

Aaron Finch played for KXIP in 2018

After a 10-match stint with KXIP in 2018, the franchise was forced to release Aaron Finch owing to the Australian cricketer's plan to prepare for the 2019 ICC World Cup. Finch scored 134 runs for the men in pink-and-whites in that season and found it very hard to demand a change in the KL Rahul-Chris Gayle opening combination.

A former ICC No.1 T20 batsman, Aaron Finch is in better form right now than Chris Gayle. Finch's record of scoring 1878 runs in the 58 T20Is he has played so far also speaks volumes about his consistency in the shortest format. However, his strike-rate of 156.50 at the top of the pile is what sets him apart.

Finch has secured 16 wins in the 31 T20Is that he has captained Australia so far. This is a decent record and should be enough for KXIP to attempt to resign him at the upcoming auctions.

KL Rahul is a dangerous batsman if he can see through the new ball. With Chris Gayle at the other end, KL is usually forced to take a few risks in the initial overs considering Gayle's cautious starts. However, with Finch's fearless display at the start, KL can bide his time and help the team launch an onslaught during the middle-overs.

Finch's experience in this format, particularly as a captain will be a bonus. Hence, KXIP should look to sign the 32-year-old again for IPL 2020.

#1 Eoin Morgan

Eoin Morgan seems to be the best choice for KXIP in this category

In the 85 T20Is that Eoin Morgan has played so far, he has scored 1985 runs at an average of 30.07 and a strike-rate of 135.21. His best score of 91 came in the recently concluded 4th T20I against New Zealand.

Morgan decorated his resume with the ICC World Cup Trophy earlier this summer. His captaincy was considered as one of the major reasons for England's success in the tournament. Having been at the helm for a while now, Morgan is experienced with this responsibility.

Morgan has played for KXIP in the past. Though that stint did not work out well for both the parties, if KXIP can sign the Englishman again, Morgan's second-innings with the franchise could well turn out to be a fruitful one.

Apart from guiding the team in the right direction with his impeccable leadership skills. Morgan can also solve the struggling middle-order woes in the Punjab squad.

David Miller has been given far too many opportunities and it could now be time to part ways with the South African. A domestic contingent comprising Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Sarfraz Khan and, Mandeep Singh consumed the bulk of the spots is the middle-order last season. Nicholas Pooran also did well in a few games.

Morgan's presence in the squad can help the other young players to play around him and help the team reach the intended target. Morgan is an asset during the final-overs with his big-hitting skills, something that can be put to good use by Anil Kumble and co.

Morgan is a proven captain and if KXIP must look for an improved performance next season, they have to try and sign this player at the upcoming auction.