IPL 2020: 3 players Kings XI Punjab should target in the IPL auction 

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Kings XI Punjab
Kings XI Punjab

After years of languishing in the bottom half of the table, Kings XI Punjab appointed Ravichandran Ashwin as their captain for the 2018 IPL, in hopes of aggressively competing for the title. They came painstakingly close to grabbing a number four spot but were outplayed by superior teams towards the end of the group stage.

In the 2019 edition their squad was arguably the weakest, but they did decently to win 6 matches out of 14.

Rumours are swirling around that Kings XI Punjab are once again looking for a major overhaul of their squad, with even their captain Ashwin being linked towards a potential move to Delhi Capitals. But so far nothing concrete has been announced yet.

Balancing the batting order was a big worry for Punjab last season, as they had too many international and domestic openers in their squad. Needless to say, Punjab need to be very smart with their tactics at the auction if they are to compete for a semifinal spot in the 2020 IPL.

Here are the three players KXIP should consider buying at the IPL auction:

#3 Joe Root

Joe Root
Joe Root

Over the years, Joe Root has been the spine of England’s top order and has shown remarkable consistency across conditions. Kings XI Punjab could emulate England’s strategy and play two swashbuckling openers at the top, with Root at No. 3 to rotate the strike and play the role of an anchor.

Root has represented England in 32 T20Is and has scored 893 runs at an average of 35.72 and a strike rate of 126.30. In the 2018 IPL auction he was overlooked by the IPL franchises since he does not fit the criteria of a T20 specialist. And for the 2019 edition ECB refused to allow him to play in the IPL, with the World Cup and Ashes in mind.

Root's captaincy experience adds further value to his signature, and we might see two or three teams going for him in the auction on 19 December.

#2 Siddarth Kaul

Siddarth Kaul
Siddarth Kaul

IPL 2017 was a big breakthrough for Siddarth Kaul. He emerged as a pace bowling sensation with his venomous yorkers and well-disguised slower balls at the death.

Kaul picked up 21 wickets in the 2018 edition but lack of form meant that he represented SRH in only 7 matches in this year’s event. Since SRH have an abundance of fast bowling talent, there is a good chance of him not being retained.

In that case, KXIP might be a potential buyer because of their death bowling woes. Sam Curran and Mohammed Shami couldn't stop the flow of runs at the death last season and they badly need a fast bowler with experience, guile and trickery at the death.

Kaul might request for a release from the SRH squad since he is no longer their first choice bowler. He also knows the IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali pretty well, as he plays first-class cricket for Punjab.

#1 Mitchell Marsh

Mitch Marsh
Mitch Marsh

KXIP are in dire need of a big-hitting all-rounder who can consistently bowl four overs and change the game at the death with his batting and bowling. In that regard Mitchell Marsh is a straightforward pick, as he has loads of BBL and international experience.

Marsh's T20 batting stats might not look spectacular, as he has been used as a floater many times. But in the case of a collapse, he has the ability to hold up one end and keep the scoreboard ticking with singles.

Marsh looks a much better player now after a year away from international circuit, and has been clocking 140kph with the ball regularly.

His batting still needs to improve to match the standards of the IPL, but it is well-known that he has the potential to destroy any opposition on his day. He is a handy fielder too, and could turn out to be one of the surprise performers at next year’s IPL.

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Edited by Musab Abid