IPL 2020: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) to have this captain?

IPL 2020: KL Rahul and Karun Nair look viable options to replace Ravichandra Ashwin as the Captain of Kings XI Punjab(KXIP).

It is all happening at the Kings XI Punjab’s camp at the moment. First, they hired a new Coach in the form of dynamic, Anil Kumble. Then, they released a statement saying Ravichandran Ashwin is an integral member of the Team, and will continue to play for Kings XI Punjab; if not as a Captain, then as a player. 

However, after all the talks around Ashwin’s position, he is finally traded to Delhi Capitals in an amicable manner, as told by KXIP’s Owner, Ness Wadia. While the move isn’t surprising, it has actually increased the headache for KXIP, who would now have to look out for a new Captain from either a current lot of players, or hire a new overseas player to ease off the captaincy burden.

But, who can KXIP possibly look at for the leadership position? If we analyze Kings XI Punjab’s current leadership options, there isn’t anyone with compelling IPL captaincy experience. However, there are options, who have captained the sides either at the International level or at the Domestic level.

So, which are the three best players that the Kings XI Punjab Team have to replace Ravichandran Ashwin as the Captain of their side for IPL 2020? Let’s find out in this article. 

Please note, we aren’t looking at options that are not in the Team as we cannot guarantee that either of those options would be selected in the Team in the 2020 IPL Auctions. 

#1: KL Rahul

KL Rahul is KXIP’s best player at the moment. The Karnataka lad has been the leading runs-scorer for KXIP since he started playing for them in 2018. In both the seasons, he has amassed more than 500 runs, and is riding high on confidence. 

While KL Rahul doesn’t have a compelling captaincy experience, his high confidence, calm demeanor, and an amicable presence can be a huge plus for Team’s positive environment. So, of the currently available options, KL Rahul seems the potential bet to take over the helm from Ravichandran Ashwin.

#2: Karun Nair

The talented, Karun Nair has been at the forefront of the leadership of the Karnataka Cricket Team. In the absence of Manish Pandey, he has often taken the helm on his shoulders. Even in the ongoing Domestic T20 tournament, Syed Mushtaq Trophy, Karun Nair is captaining the Karnataka side.  

Considering his rich Domestic form, a good Domestic captaincy experience, Karun Nair can be a viable option in case the Team Management decides to ease off the captaincy burden from KL Rahul.

#3: Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle seems the least preferred option of the three, but making him Captain has its own advantages. The Talented Jamaican has been a stalwart of the game, and one of the bests players in the IPL. Even for KXIP, he has had two successful seasons, and carries a strong rapport with the team.

He has been the Captain of the West Indies Cricket Team in the past, and has captained many Domestic sides too. So, the Team management can think of having him at the helm to ease off the captaincy burden from KL Rahul and Karun Nair as their batting cannot be compromised. 

So, these are the three potential candidates for the captaincy of Kings XI Punjab(KXIP) for IPL 2020. In case, Kings XI Punjab do not make Captain from a current lot of players, then they can look to hire new overseas player as captain in the form of Eoin Morgan, Aaron Finch, Jason Holder, etc. 

Whoever Kings XI Punjab decide to select as the Captain, we just hope, he brings in a lot of positive vibes, and helps KXIP win their maiden IPL title.

Thanks for reading! Who do you think should captain the KXIP side in IPL 2020?

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ALSO READ: Strategy Punt: 3 decisions Kings XI Punjab need to take before IPL 2020

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