IPL 2020: Rating the chances of the 3 teams yet to win the tournament

#3 Kings XI Punjab

Kings XI Punjab

Past Record: Despite having some big names in their midst over the years, like Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh and Adam Gilchrist, Kings XI Punjab’s performance has been distinctly mediocre. They began the IPL by finishing third in the inaugural edition before ending as runners-up in 2014. However, in all the other editions, they have been eliminated in the group stage itself.

Even co-owner Preity Zinta’s zestful support has failed to lift their spirits.

Present team analysis: In captain KL Rahul, KXIP have one of the most dangerous hitters of the cricket ball in the modern game. Punjab will be elated that Rahul has been in the form of his life lately, and would want him to continue the impressive streak in the IPL as well.

Punjab made a massive buy at the auction by picking Aussie big-hitter Glenn Maxwell for Rs 10.75 crore. If the move works, it will go a long way in the franchise performing well. Remember, the only time KXIP made it to the final, in 2014, Maxwell was the star of the show for them with 552 runs at a strike rate of 187.75.

KXIP have retained Chris Gayle, a move that could work either way depending on which maverick West Indian turns out during the tournament. They also have Sarfaraz Khan in their ranks, who amassed 928 runs in six matches in the Ranji Trophy. Khan will definitely take that confidence into the T20 tournament.

Their bowling, however, appears a bit weak on paper. There have been mixed reviews to left-arm seamer Sheldon Cottrell being purchased for Rs. 8.50 crore. In Mujeeb ur Rahman and Mohammed Shami they have wicket-takers, but overall they still appear a couple of match-winners short.

Winning probability (6/10): Although their bowling appears a little weak, if the likes of Rahul, Maxwell and Gayle fire, they can more than make up for that.