IPL 2020: 3 players KXIP might let go for the next season


IPL 2020: 3 players KXIP might let go for the next season
Kings Eleven Punjab during IPL 2020

The Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) have faced ups and downs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) history. They were the finalist in the 2014 edition with George Bailey leading the side in a terrific season where they topped the points table. They also finished 3rd in the 2009 edition of IPL as they lost in the semifinals. On the other hand, KXIP went through tough times during 2010, 2015, and 2016 season where they finished in the bottommost place.

The Dream11 IPL 2020 was a rollercoaster of a season for KXIP as they nearly qualified in the playoffs of the tournament. They lost five games in a row in the first phase of the tournament. However, they made a brilliant comeback during the second phase of IPL 2020 and defeated all the top teams in the tournament. They were on a five-match winning streak before losing the last game of the tournament and getting knocked out.

KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Mohammad Shami, and Chris Gayle were the bright side of the KXIP playing eleven. However, there are a few players who failed to live up to their reputation in the tournament. Here we take a look at three such players in the KXIP team who might missout from the side in the next edition of IPL.

3. Jimmy Neesham

Jimmy Neesham for KXIP

The New Zealand all-rounder is a very bright prospect in T20 cricket with the ability to hit sixes as well as to bowl medium pace. He was an integral part of the New Zealand team which ended up as the runners up in the ICC Cricket World Cup in England last year.

However, he couldn’t perform to his name in this year’s IPL. In the five matches he played for KXIP this season he could only score 19 runs with 10 being his highest score. His bowling also wasn’t up to the mark where he took just two wickets after conceding 148 runs with an economy rate of 9.86.

Neesham has played for only two seasons in the IPL both for KXIP. First during 2014 and the second this year. His performances might make KXIP release the all-rounder for next season and look for a different player in his place.

2. Karun Nair

Karun Nair for Kings Xi Punjab in IPL

Nair came to KXIP after a poor season with Delhi Daredevils during the 10th season of IPL. He also captained the side for some time but failed to score runs. KXIP in the 2018 season snapped the talented Karnataka batsman and he even crossed the 300 run-mark during that season.

However, he could play only one match in the next season. This season was even worse for the 29-year-old batsman who failed to add runs for the side in four matches. He only scored 16 runs for KXIP this season and was dropped from the playing XI.

Nair might face the axe for KXIP to get a better middle-order batsman in place of him for the next season.

1. Glenn Maxwell

Glenn Maxwell for KXIP in the Indian Premier League

Australian hard-hitting batsman Glenn Maxwell has been facing rough patches in his cricket career lately. The all-rounder even took a break from International Cricket to work on his mental health. He came back to play IPL 2020 with KXIP but fortunes were not on his side as his performance was faded.

Maxwell who is known as one of the most destructive batsmen in T20 cricket made only 108 runs at an average of 15.42 runs in IPL 2020. He seemed struggling to time the ball and his highest score was 32 runs. In his bowling, he picked up 3 wickets at an economy rate of 8.04. Maxwell was brought by KXIP for a whopping 10.75 crores in a bidding war with Delhi Capitals. However, he couldn’t live up to his reputation and KXIP might look for cheaper options for the coming years.

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