IPL 2020: KXIP's predicted playing XI

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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