IPL 2020: SWOT Analysis of Kings XI Punjab

KXIP in IPL 2020: Threats

Is Glenn Maxwell reliable enough to build a middle order around?

#1 KXIP's overseas slots might cause selection dilemmas

As mentioned earlier, the lack of depth in the pace department will mean that KXIP have to field an overseas pacer. The other overseas options are Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Jimmy Neesham and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.

All 5 players can make genuine cases as to why they must be part of the playing XI, but KXIP will be able to pick only three. This could turn out to be a major issue with regard to team balance, and a poor performance or two might result in the lack of a settled combination.

#2 KL Rahul's inexperience as captain might cost KXIP

While Rahul is likely to perform well as captain, his lack of experience in the role and the impact that it might have on his batting are factors that must be taken into account.

Rahul is the opening batsman of the team, and might not be able to play with the same freedom now that he has the tag of captain next to his name. His inexperience might also cost KXIP dearly in crunch situations, with him not having someone experienced such as R Ashwin to call upon.

This will be a bigger issue if KXIP reach the IPL 2020 knockouts, but if they do, Rahul will have done a pretty good job already.

#3 Will the Glenn Maxwell gamble pay off for KXIP?

Glenn Maxwell was KXIP's biggest buy in the IPL 2020 auction, and they are certain to build their middle order around the explosive batsman.

While this has worked in patches for KXIP in the past, with the UAE leg of the 2014 IPL being one such instance, it might not be a reliable option given the Australian's inconsistency and frequently poor shot selection.

KXIP invested heavily in Maxwell's return, and it remains to be seen if the gamble pays off in IPL 2020.