IPL 2020: KXIP's predicted playing XI

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