Dream11 IPL 2020: Strongest Predicted Playing XI of Kings XI Punjab (KXIP)

Kings Eleven Punjab

With Ravi Ashwin traded to Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab will play under a new skipper in KL Rahul this year. This will be the first time when KL Rahul will captain Kings XI Punjab for the full season in IPL. It remains to be seen how the team fares under him in the upcoming edition.

The franchise acquired some valuable inclusions in the auction in a bid to fill some loopholes in the squad. With Glenn Maxwell and Nicholas Pooran, along with talented Indian talents in the squad, Kings XI Punjab’s middle order looks as solid as ever.

The team has also worked on their death bowling woes, having bought the likes of Sheldon Cottrell and Chris Jordan. Needless to say, the franchise has a lot of quality overseas picks this year. Picking 4 out of all the talent overseas squad should be a good problem to solve for the Kings this year.

Here’s a look at the strongest playing XI of Kings XI Punjab for IPL 2020:

Openers: KL Rahul and Chris Gayle

For the last couple of years, KL Rahul and Chris Gayle have given solid starts on numerous occasions. Given the form he is in, KL Rahul is likely to shine with the added responsibility. Chris Gayle, on the other hand, is in the final years of his career. He would want to end with a stellar season in the upcoming edition.

Middle-order- Mayank Agarwal, Glenn Maxwell, Mandeep Singh and Sarfaraz Khan

With two solid openers, Mayank Agarwal should take the number three spot followed by Glenn Maxwell at four. Glen Maxwell’s recent performances against England should come as a morale booster for the franchise.

And with Mandeep Singh and Sarfaraz Khan at five and six, the middle order is looking as solid as ever.

All-rounders: Jimmy Neesham and Krishnappa Gowtham

With James Neesham, Punjab gets a lot of variety in their attack. Being a medium-fast bowler, Jimmy Neesham could prove to be a great asset for the side. Also, his batting exploits make him a strong contender in the playing eleven.

Ahead of the tournament, Punjab made a great buy in Krishnappa Gowtham. The Indian spinner is pretty useful in bowling in the powerplay overs but could also make valuable runs at the fag end of the innings.

Bowlers: Mohammad Shami, Sheldon Cottrell and Ravi Bishnoi

In the auctions, Punjab paid a hefty amount to acquire the services of Sheldon Cottrell. With Cottrell, the bowling attack certainly gets a lot of variety. He should get the nod ahead of Chris Jordan in the playing eleven. The team would also hope Mohammad Shami to come good both in the power play as well as death overs.

India’s hero in the under-19 World Cup 2020, Ravi Bishnoi could prove to be a breakthrough star for Punjab this year. With a host of variety under his armory, he is likely to make an impact in the favourable condition of UAE.

Kings Eleven Punjab squad for IPL 2020

Lokesh Rahul, Harpreet Brar, Ishan Porel, Mandeep Singh, James Neesham, Tajinder Singh, Chris Jordan, Karun Nair, Deepak Hooda, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Glenn Maxwell, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Sarfaraz Khan, Sheldon Cottrell, Mayank Agarwal, Mohammed Shami, Darshan Nalkande, Nicholas Pooran, Chris Gayle, Murugan Ashwin, Jagadeesha Suchith, Krishnappa Gowtham, Hardus Viljoen, Simran Singh.