IPL 2019: Analyzing Strengths and Weaknesses of Kings XI Punjab

Strong opening combination, the highlight as we look at the strengths and weakness(es) of Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) for IPL 2019.

Kings XI Punjab finished the IPL 2018 campaign on a disappointing note. After starting the campaign so positively winning five out of the first seven matches, Kings XI Punjab went on to lose six of their remaining seven matches.

Coming into the IPL 2019 campaign, Kings XI Punjab recruited the most among all teams. They added Nicholas Pooran, Sam Curran, Moises Henriques, Hardus Viljoen, PrabhSimran Singh, Mohammad Shami, Varun Chakravarthy, Sarfaraz Khan, Agnivesh Ayachi, Darshan Nalkande, Harpreet Brar, Murugan Ashwin, and Arshdeep Singh to their squad.

So, let’s try to identify the strengths and weakness(es) of the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) squad for IPL 2019.

STRENGTHS:

Openers:

Kings XI Punjab is a side full of openers. They have as many as five openers in their squad in the form of KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran and PrabhSimran Singh.

Coming to the combination, KL Rahul, the best opener of IPL 2018 should open along with either of Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran or Mayank Agarwal depending on the overseas combinations.

Spin Bowling

Kings XI Punjab have the best spin bowling amongst all teams. They have Mujeeb Ur Rahman as their prime spinner, who will be supported by their captain, Ravichandran Ashwin.

Apart from these two, Kings XI Punjab bought one of the most economical bowlers in the TamilNadu Premier League, Varun Chakravarthy. Apart from these three, KXIP also have Murugan Ashwin and Harpreet Brar as backups. 

Individual Superstars

Kings XI Punjab have some really interesting players who can turn the game on their own. These include the likes of KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Andrew Tye, and Mujeeb Ur Rahman. 

 WEAKNESSES:

 Fragile Middle-order:

While Karun Nair, Mandeep Singh and Mayank Agarwal are brilliant players, the only worry here is their IPL performance. Both, Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair failed to impress in IPL 2018 and Mandeep Singh too has been in and out of IPL teams. We just hope, these three fire all guns along with David Miller as KXIP does not want to land on the same page as last year. 

All-rounders:

This should not come as a surprise to many as KXIP poses not so familiar names in this category. They have Moises Henriques as their only batting all-rounder; who might find it difficult to get a place in playing XI.

Sam Curran, the accidental all-rounder from England is a good bowling option for KXIP. However, his batting abilities in T20 cricket are not being tested.   

CONCLUSION:

Overall, Kings XI Punjab look good on paper barring for few hiccups. If they get their team combination right this time, it would be very difficult to stop KXIP from winning their maiden trophy in 2019.

Thanks for reading! What is it that you like the most in Kings XI Punjab? Please, let’s know in the comments. 

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