IPL 2020: KXIP's predicted playing XI

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) traded away Ravichandran Ashwin and named KL Rahul as the captain for the 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2020), and this was just one in a long list of personnel changes.

KXIP shelled out big bucks to acquire the services of Glenn Maxwell and Sheldon Cottrell in the IPL auction, and also roped in a number of Karnataka players through trades. Under the guidance of captain Rahul and coach Anil Kumble, the team could go far despite not looking too strong on paper.

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KXIP's predicted playing XI for IPL 2020

Note: All players from England and Australia have been assumed to be available, with no official word yet regarding their participation in the first few games of IPL 2020.

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Openers: Chris Gayle, KL Rahul (c & wk)

Chris Gayle and KL Rahul form a fearsome opening partnership

After a lot of critics claimed that he was past his prime, Chris Gayle made it a point to prove to the world that he still has a lot left in the tank with his performances in IPL 2019. The West Indian opener turned back the clock with some incredible innings, and is set to continue in the same vein in IPL 2020.

Partnering him at the top of the order will be KXIP captain KL Rahul, who will not only be the leader of the side but will also have to don the wicket-keeping gloves. It remains to be seen how his game adapts to the responsibility, but the Karnataka man has been tipped by experts to have the best IPL season of his career so far.

The presence of these two IPL batting greats means that Indian Test opener Mayank Agarwal may not get to bat at his preferred role.

Click here for the latest IPL 2020 orange cap list.

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Middle Order: Mayank Agarwal, Glenn Maxwell, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan

Glenn Maxwell will be the backbone of the KXIP middle order in IPL 2020

The lowest that Mayank Agarwal can bat is No. 3, and he is expected to come in at this position in IPL 2020. Rahul's Karnataka teammate also had a decent IPL season last time around, and he will be keen on establishing himself as a quality player in all 3 formats. His ability to take on the spinners will be greatly valuable in the UAE in IPL 2020.

The returning Glenn Maxwell, who usually bats a position or two lower in the order, comes in at No. 4 in this KXIP XI for IPL 2020. The destructive Australian has an excellent record in the UAE, but his performances in the IPL have greatly deteriorated in the recent past. He will be the backbone of the KXIP middle order in IPL 2020, and will also have to contribute with the ball in hand as the third spin option.

Mandeep Singh might fight it out with Karun Nair for the No. 5 slot, but the latter hasn't played too many games in the IPL over the past 3-4 seasons. The Punjab batsman, on the other hand, has been playing peripheral roles in all the IPL teams he has been part of, and with more responsibility, he could shine this year.

Following Mandeep is Sarfaraz Khan, who is on the back of a prolific season in the Indian domestic circuit. The youngster has failed to live up to the promise that he showed during his early days with Royal Challengers Bangalore, but in recent form is any indicator, he is one to watch out for in IPL 2020.

The presence of these four players means that Karun Nair and West Indian wicket-keeper Nicholas Pooran miss out. The exclusion of the latter is a controversial decision to say the least, but the southpaw must be sacrificed in order to shore up what is an extremely weak KXIP bowling attack.

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All-rounders: Jimmy Neesham, Krishnappa Gowtham

Krishnappa Gowtham is primed to have an excellent IPL season

Jimmy Neesham might have to compete with the likes of Pooran and Mujeeb Ur Rahman for this overseas slot, and he might just pip the two due to the fact that he bowls medium-pace. Mohammed Shami is the only recognised Indian pacer for KXIP, and they will need the Kiwi all-rounder to bowl a few overs as the third pace option in IPL 2020. Being a southpaw, he will also add variety to the batting lineup.

Krishnappa Gowtham was recently acquired by a trade, and he will play the spin-bowling all-rounder's role for KXIP in IPL 2020. The 30-year-old is capable of bowling in the powerplay, and could flourish under his state-mate Rahul.

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Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Sheldon Cottrell, Ravi Bishnoi

Ravi Bishnoi will be keen on making a mark in IPL 2020

Mohammed Shami is guaranteed to be in the KXIP playing XI for IPL 2020, given that he is the only experienced Indian pacer in the side. The Bengal quick will be the leader of the pace attack, and will have to bowl in the most difficult overs of the innings.

Left-armer Sheldon Cottrell, who was an expensive buy in the 2020 IPL auction, will probably be given the nod ahead of Chris Jordan owing to the variety he brings to the attack. The West Indian will need to be at his best, just like Shami.

The final spot in the KXIP will probably be taken up by one of Ravi Bishnoi or Murugan Ashwin, and the former might just pip the Tamil Nadu leggie to the spot. The young spinner is a wicket-taking option and is an excellent fielder as well.

This would mean that Afghanistan spinner Mujeeb Ur Rahman misses out, but he doesn't offer enough to take up one of the four overseas slots. This is largely down to KXIP's complete lack of depth in the pace department, but we could see him make appearances if the pitches in the UAE are rank turners.

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KXIP's Predicted Playing XI for IPL 2020:

Chris Gayle, KL Rahul (c & wk), Mayank Agarwal, Glenn Maxwell, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan, Jimmy Neesham, Krishnappa Gowtham, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Sheldon Cottrell