Why Kings XI Punjab is the team to watch out for at VIVO IPL 2018

KXIP have had an inconsistent, and frankly, disappointing stint in their 10 seasons in this tournament so far. Things are looking up this season, with fresh faces, fresh ideas and a fresh approach as they look to win their first ever IPL trophy.

Here are 5 reasons why this could finally be their year. Tickets to the home matches in Indore are available on Insider.in, the official ticketing partner.

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#1 Varied attacking options at the top of the order

Aaron Finch and Chris Gayle

KL Rahul has had a stupendous start to VIVO IPL 2018, smashing the fastest ever IPL 50 along the way, and in Chris Gayle and Aaron Finch, the Kings have two of the most destructive opening batsmen in the world.

In their first three games, the Kings have used three different opening combinations and few teams can boast the luxury of such options at the top. Rahul and Gayle have quickfire 50s already and are batting with strike rates in excess of 190. With Mayank Agarwal part of the squad as well, he gives them an Indian option that enables Ashwin to rest and rotate as and when necessary.

Their runs at the start of the innings will be crucial in helping KXIP set big scores or chase targets down.

#2 Excellent group of spinners

Ashwin is the captain of Kings XI Punjab

Ravichandran Ashwin leads an impressive group of spinners for the Kings this season.

Ashwin, himself, has added even more variety to his already bulging repertoire and is currently the Kings’ leading wicket-taker. Add Axar Patel to the mix, a white ball specialist with the knack of taking crucial wickets, and the talented Mujeeb Zadran - another from Afghanistan’s stable of spin - who has set about bamboozling batsmen with aplomb, this is the best spin attack the Kings have ever had, and it shows.

Between them, they’ve taken 9 wickets at an economy rate of just over 7, and their performances might just be what takes them over the finishing line this year.

#3 Destructive middle order

Yuvraj Singh

In addition to a deadly top order, the Kings also have a number of middle order demolishers at their disposal. One of their favourite sons returns to the fold in Yuvraj Singh, and he will be looking to enjoy his cricket, hopefully, devoid of any pressure, this year.

David Miller, of that 38-ball hundred fame, is a frightening batsman when he gets going, and Aussie all-rounder Marcus Stoinis is capable of big hitting almost on demand, and will be looking to justify KXIP’s decision to retain him.

Karun Nair has already crossed 100 runs in 3 games, including a match-winning 50 in the opening game, and gives the Kings options galore.

#4 New faces and a new approach

Brad Hodge - KXIP's new coach

The Kings have seen a massive overhaul not only to their playing squad, but the backroom and coaching staff as well. Ravichandran Ashwin was appointed captain, in what could prove to be a masterstroke, as Ashwin is an intelligent, thinking cricketer who has undoubtedly learned from playing under the best captains in the business.

A new head coach in Brad Hodge, who was a seriously talented, if not underrated, limited-overs batsman and captain himself, and a completely new and all Indian backroom staff come in. With serious investment in Ashwin, Axar Patel and Mujeeb Zadran, the Kings’ focus has markedly shifted to spin, which could be the major difference between this and previous KXIP squads.

They also opted to include in their squad a number of players who have previous captaincy experience, which can only aid Ashwin and the team in taking tough yet important on and off-field decisions.

#5 Unknown quantities

Axar Patel could be vital for KXIP

While the established and experienced players in the KXIP squad speak for themselves, the Kings also have a number of unknown quantities in their side who could make a difference when called upon. The IPL is known to throw up many such names each year, who jump from being unheard of to becoming the talk of the town.

In Mujeeb Zadran, the latest young Afghani spinner, who has started and impressed in all 3 Kings games, they have someone to perfectly compliment Ashwin and Axar Patel. Manzoor Dar, nicknamed Pandav, is a big hitting Kashmiri batsman capable of 100m+ hits. Ankit Rajpoot is a talented seamer with a bit of IPL experience.

Akshdeep Nath comes off an impressive Vijay Hazare trophy, averaging 57. Australia’s Ben Dwarshuis impressed in the big bash and his left arm swing bowling exploits earned him a call-up to the Australian T20 squad.

All these players will be eagerly waiting for their chance to impress and give the Kings’ a great amount of depth and dynamism that they have lacked in the past.

Kings XI Punjab

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Watch Kings XI Punjab take on Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the VIVO IPL 2018 in Indore. You can buy tickets on Insider.in, the official ticketing partner for the franchise.