The Kings X1 Punjab have been perennial underachievers in the Indian Premier League (IPL). What makes it very surprising is the presence of some of the best in the business over the years. Led by Ravichandran Ashwin in the previous two editions of the tournament, they flattered to deceive failing to make it to the playoffs.

As a result, the Punjab based franchise opted to release Ashwin along with head coach Mike Hesson. Anil Kumble was appointed as the new director of operations, with KL Rahul further announced as the new skipper.

Kumble is hailed by one and all for his astute knowledge of cricket. This certainly reflected in the franchise’s approach during the recent auction. The former Indian cricketer has shaken up things within the squad, with shrewd additions. The acquisition of match-winners like Glenn Maxwell, Sheldon Cottrell and Jimmy Neesham is an example of that.

Additions during the auction:

Maxwell was the most expensive addition to the squad after being signed for Rs 10.75 crore. Cottrell was further acquired for Rs 8.50 crore.

Englishman Chris Jordan is the only other overseas signing for Kings X1 Punjab. Amongst the domestic cricketers, spinners Ravi Bishnoi, Tajinder Dhillon, Deepak Hooda, Prabhsimran Singh and pacer Ishan Porel represent smart decisions.

The most expensive domestic addition to the squad was Ravi Bishnoi, signed for Rs 2 crore. The Kings X1 Punjab further acquired back last season’s sensation Prabhsimran Singh for just Rs 55 lakhs.

The franchise has further certainly brought some much-needed reliability in the bowling department, with the additions of Jordan and Cottrell. Bishnoi promises to be a quality replacement for Ashwin, with Porel providing impressive backup for Mohammed Shami.

Deepak Hooda and Jimmy Neesham are further exceptional all-rounders, with an ability to make their presence felt under pressure. The duo will provide quality support to Krishnappa Gowtham and J. Suchith.

Existing squad: KL Rahul (wk), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Sarfaraz Khan, Murugan Ashwin, Mujeeb-ur-Rahman, K. Gowtham, J. Suchith, Harpreet Brar, Mohammed Shami, Hardus Viljoen, Arshdeep Singh, Darshan Nalkande.

New additions: Glenn Maxwell, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Jordan, Ravi Bishnoi, Prabhsimran Singh, Deepak Hooda, Jimmy Neesham, Tajinder Dhillon, Ishan Porel.

THIS. IS. SADDA. SQUAD. #SaddaPunjab #SaddaSquad #SaddeKings #IPLAuction2020 pic.twitter.com/g4cFZwdCBj

— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) December 19, 2019

Different combinations for the Kings X1 Punjab:

Considering the Kings X1 Punjab squad for IPL 2020, here are the different lineups which the franchise can look to field over the course of the upcoming season:

1) KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Nicholas Pooran, Sarfaraz Khan, Glenn Maxwell, Krishnappa Gowtham, Mohammed Shami, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Jordan, Murugan Ashwin.

2) KL Rahul, Prabsimran Singh, Mayank Agarwal, Deepak Hooda, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Jimmy Neesham, Krishnappa Gowtham, Sheldon Cottrell, Mohammed Shami, Murugan Ashwin, Ishan Porel.

3) KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Jimmy Neesham, Krishnappa Gowtham, Mohammed Shami, Murugan Ashwin, Sheldon Cottrell, Ishan Porel. 

Written By: Marcelino Da Silva.