IPL 2021 Team Preview: Punjab Kings

Previously often known as Kings XI Punjab (now known as the Punjab Kings), the Ness Wadia-owned franchise did a lot better final season than their place mirrored on the factors desk. They had been alive for the playoffs spot till the final sport however will rue all of the video games that they misplaced from comfy profitable positions. Will the change in identify and brand deliver success for the Punjab Kings?

They do look fairly good on paper, however ought to have positively performed higher on the public sale given the purse they’d. Punjab Kings launched the misfiring Maxwell and beneath par Neesham and Cottrell together with a number of others. Nevertheless, they didn’t get fine quality all rounders to switch those launched within the public sale. That’s the space they give the impression of being the weakest in and if they don’t handle their assets correctly they could possibly be discovered wanting.

Punjab Kings have a strong top-order

Their greatest constructive is the return to type of their skipper KL Rahul. Rather a lot would depend upon his efficiency this yr. Their prime order is likely one of the finest within the league with Rahul, Gayle, Mayank and Pooran able to tearing aside any bowling lineup. Mandeep, Sarfaraz and Hooda may have the accountability of supporting these massive weapons. They’ve roped in Shahrukh Khan, who has the power to hit the ball laborious, and the Kings might be hoping that he can present the ending touches they lacked final season.

Who will make the XI as bowlers for the Punjab Kings?

Within the bowling division, they spent massive on Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith from Australia. Each had nice Huge Bash League seasons with Jhye ending as the best wicket taker. However the truth that neither of them have performed any IPL cricket means they might be barely inexperienced when it comes to bowling in these situations.

Shami will spearhead the assault with Bishnoi and Murugan Ashwin being the spin choices on the again of a productive IPL 2020. Indian pacers like Ishan Porel and Arshdeep Singh might come in useful however their inexperience might damage them. They retained Chris Jordan regardless of him having a blended season final yr.

No established all-rounders for Punjab Kings

The hyperlink between batting and bowling seems to be a bit weak on paper with only a few choices to play that all-rounder position. With solely 4 abroad slots, it seems to be unlikely that Allen will begin, which might depart them with a barely longish tail. They are going to be hoping that their star studded batting lineup will cowl this weak spot. Final yr, they’d Maxwell who might roll his arm and get a few overs out of the best way. With him launched, the Kings must discover somebody who would play that position.

Total, with an envious batting lineup, a really proficient however inexperienced bowling assault and uncertainty with their all-round choices, the Punjab Kings might have a hit and miss season. They must play their playing cards nicely to get essentially the most out of the gamers at their disposal. With a sensible tactician in Anil Kumble as their coach, count on them to place up a combat this season.

Possible XI for Punjab Kings: KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicolas Pooran, Mandeep Singh, Shahrukh Khan, Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Murugan Ashwin.