IPL 2020: 3 things Kings XI Punjab must do to have a shot at winning the trophy

Despite the presence of superstar players like Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Adam Gilchrist, and Kumar Sangakkara in their team over the years, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) have failed to win the IPL even once. In fact, barring a couple of seasons, their performance has been thoroughly disappointing.

KXIP began their IPL journey by making it to the semi-final in the 2008 edition. Their best performance was the runners-up effort in 2014. If you look at their results in the other years, they were 5th in 2009, 2011 and 2017, 6th in 2012, 2013 and 2019, 7th in 2018, and last in 2010, 2015 and 2016.

As their history shows, KXIP have failed to make it to the play-offs even once in the last five years. They will thus have to show serious improvement this year. The franchise has made a few changes in their squad for 2020. Here’s a look at some factors that could determine KXIP’s journey this year.

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#1 Glenn Maxwell needs to set tournament on fire

Glenn Maxwell

Out of the game with an elbow injury currently, Glenn Maxwell is likely to miss at least a week or more of the initial stages of the tournament. However, even that being the case, he can have a huge impact on the team's fortunes.

The last and only time KXIP made it to the IPL final, Maxwell had a sensational year. In the 2014 edition, the 'Big Show' amassed 552 runs in 16 games with four fifties at a stunning strike rate of 187.75 and an average of 34.50. He was the man of the tournament even as KXIP stumbled in the final.

Also see – IPL 2020 schedule

If KXIP want to make a serious impact this year, Maxwell will again have to be at his dangerous best once he is available for selection. After being picked at the auction for INR 10.75 crore, the Aussie batsman announced his return from a mental health break with some sizzling knocks in the Big Bash League (BBL).

Leading Melbourne Stars, Maxwell smashed 83 from 39 balls as the Stars kicked off their BBL campaign with a 22-run victory over Brisbane Heat. With Maxwell at the helm, the Stars were the favourites to clinch the BBL this year, but stumbled in the final. Maxwell's form tapered off as the tournament progressed. Still, he finished with 398 runs in 17 games at an average of 39.80 and a strike rate of 148.50 with three fifties.

Having spent lavishly on Maxwell, knowing very well that he can be a match-winner with the bat, KXIP will have high hopes from the Aussie. A repeat of the 2014 performance would work well for the franchise.

#Note: All statistics as of February 26, 2020

#2 The KL Rahul-Chris Gayle show

KL Rahul

Until last year, KL Rahul was known as a highly talented strokemaker. However, following his amazing exploits in international cricket over the last few months, he returns to IPL not only with his reputation enhanced, but also as captain of the side.

Rahul can play some unbelievable strokes in the format, and is a genuine match-winner. KXIP would want him to carry his international form into the IPL as well. Apart from his good recent performances, Rahul has been excellent in the last two IPL seasons as well.

In 2018, he smashed 659 in 14 games at a strike rate of 158.41 with six fifties. Last year, he amassed 593 runs at a strike rate of 135.38 with one hundred and six half-centuries. Overall too, Rahul has a fantastic IPL record - 1,977 runs at a strike rate of 138.15 and an average of 42.06.

Chris Gayle

Rahul can form a great opening partnership with 40-year-old Chris Gayle at the top of the order. While not as consistent as he was at his prime, the 'Universe Boss' keeps producing scintillating knocks to remind everyone of his prowess. As recently as last month, he blasted 60 from 24 balls for Chattogram Challengers in the second qualifier of the Bangladesh Premier League.

Gayle has made an impact in the last two IPL seasons as well. In 2018, he contributed 368 runs in 11 matches at a strike rate of 146.03 with one hundred and three fifties. Last year, he smashed 490 runs in 13 games at a strike rate of 153.60 with a best of 99 not out. In tandem, Rahul and Gayle can be double trouble, like fire and ice.

#3 Chris Jordan and Mohammed Shami must shine

Chris Jordan

KXIP do not have one of the strongest attacks in the tournaments, at least on paper. Although Sheldon Cottrell was purchased for INR 8.5 crores, question marks remain over his match-winning ability. Mujeeb Ur Rahman did not have a great season last year while Ravi Bishnoi will be making his IPL debut.

One feels KXIP have not thought out their bowling properly. As such there will be additional responsibility on two proven performers. England all-rounder Chris Jordan has made his name as a yorker specialist. And although he doesn't have a great IPL record as of now, the Punjab franchise will be looking forward to him disturbing the opponent’s furniture.

In 11 IPL matches, Jordan has 12 wickets to his name at an average of 24.83 and a strike rate of 16.50. His best of 4 for 11 came for RCB against Gujarat Lions in 2016. The performance was forgotten as Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers got hundreds in the contest. Jordan inspires confidence with his excellent T20 record in which he has picked up 200 wickets.

Mohammed Shami

Leading the KXIP attack last year, Mohammed Shami impressed with 19 wickets in 14 games at an average of 24.68 and a strike rate of 17.05. This year again, he will be the key factor with the ball for KXIP.

Having rediscovered his form in the limited overs, Shami would be looking forward to impress in this year’s edition as well, and further strengthen his chances of making it to the World T20 squad.

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Also see | IPL 2020: Best KXIP XI for the upcoming season