Despite finishing top of the heap during IPl-7, Kings XI Punjab ended up as runners-up to Kolkata Knight Riders losing the final narrowly by 3 wickets. Preity Zinta and Ness Wadia co-owned team won 11 of their 14 matches in group stages.
Punjab scored 199 in the final and had one hand on the trophy, but they let the chance slip. Conclusion aside it was a great season overall which was evident from their winning streak and the fact that they established the best run-rate for any team across IPl.
After finishing as semi-finalists in the first edition and coming ever so close last year, IPl-8 promises to be another opportunity for coach Sanjay Bangar’s team to go one better this time around.
KXIP boast of arguably the most attacking batting lineup for a team in the competition with the likes of Glenn Maxwell, David Miller, George Bailey (captain) and VirenderSehwag. Maxwell bought by Punjab in the 2014 auction, proved his batting prowess with 552 runs. He also adds to the team with off-spin bowling. Miller is another big hitter and he proved it with a quick fire 138 against Zimbabwe in the World Cup. Not that there was the need of a verification after he scored 446 runs last season.
As far as pulsating batting goes, VirenderSehwag is an accomplished name. He’s done that time and time again for country, state and IPl teams alike. After spending six years with Delhi Daredevils, Punjab bought him in the auction last year and he didn’t disappoint by scoring 455 runs. like Yuvraj Singh, Sehwagis likely to see this as a chance to return to the national team fold after being overseen for the World Cup.
When attempting to steady the innings, KXIP have Bailey, wicketkeeper-batsman WriddhimanSaha, Shaun Marsh and new signing Murali Vijay (bought for Rs. 3 crore). This ensures a perfect combination of big hitters and ones to complement them in the middle. Vijay may not have played many limited over matches off late but he’s proven his capabilities on the international front in Tests against England and the team would look to him provide the solid groundwork at the top of the innings.
In the bowling department, Mitchell Johnson is the pick of the lot. The World Cup winner has the capability to reduce the flow of runs, picking wickets and rather importantly, getting into the batsman’s face.Although, Axar Patel and Sandeep Sharma were the ones who shone with their performances — the latter picking up 18 wickets.
The biggest concern for Punjab would be how Maxwell, Bailey, Miller and Johnson play after a grueling and tiresome season, which saw them, play till the latter stages of the World Cup too. On the other side, one could argue that they are professionals and they would be ready for continuous challenges such as the IPl.