Punjab Kings predicted XI for IPL 2021

Middle Order: Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Shahrukh Khan

Christopher Henry Gayle has been forced to bat at No. 3 for PBKS

Coming in at No. 3 will be the Universe Boss Chris Gayle. The big West Indian was the talisman for PBKS in IPL 2020, and his inclusion was the catalyst behind their late run for a playoff spot.

Gayle was in nightmare form in the recently conducted Abu Dhabi T10, but played a typically dominant innings towards the end of the tournament. He may not be entirely comfortable batting at No. 3, but that's a sacrifice he'll have to make for the good of the team.

The No. 4 spot was occupied by Nicholas Pooran towards the end of IPL 2020, and this should continue this year as well. Pooran has played a couple of knocks to remember in every competition he has taken part in, but he's on the lookout for consistency to be called a truly great player.

PBKS have a couple of selection dilemmas when it comes to the middle order. Dawid Malan is the #1-ranked T20I batsman in the world, but it will be difficult for the team management to fit three overseas batsmen in the playing XI after splurging on foreign fast bowlers in the auction.

Moreover, Malan's ideal batting position is in the top 4, and moving Pooran down to No. 5 might minimize the Caribbean batsman's impact. PBKS have a number of young Indian batsmen like Deepak Hooda, Mandeep Singh, Sarfaraz Khan and Shahrukh Khan, and backing one or more of this quartet might serve them well in the long run.

Hooda and Shahrukh might be the front-runners to make up the rest of the middle order. While Hooda offers an extra off-spinning option, Shahrukh has the power and finishing ability to add great value to the team batting at No. 6.

Hooda's disciplinary issues with Baroda might be a roadblock for PBKS, but the situation might be different by the time IPL 2021 rolls around. Shahrukh, on the other hand, was signed for a hefty amount for an uncapped player, and the management clearly has a lot of faith in him.

Sarfaraz's IPL career is stuck in the mud at the moment, while Mandeep is perhaps better suited to the top order.