Strongest playing XI for Punjab Kings after IPL Auction 2021
The Punjab Kings (formerly known as Kings XI Punjab) will be keen to make a fresh start to their IPL campaign. The Mohali-based franchise has been a part of the Indian Premier League since 2008. However, they have never been able to win the coveted championship.
Their best season came in the year 2014 when they reached the IPL Final. They were very close to winning the championship. However, the Kolkata Knight Riders trounced them in the finale. Last year, Punjab missed out on a spot in the playoffs because of their disastrous start.
They released a bunch of players and entered the auction with a massive purse. Although the Punjab Kings spent big on Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith, it seems unlikely both players would feature in the playing XI.
Here’s a look at the strongest XI for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2021.
Openers - KL Rahul (c and wk) and Mayank Agarwal
Mayank Agarwal hit 10 fours and seven sixes during his 50-ball 106 in the #IPL2020
— ICC (@ICC) September 27, 2020
The India Test opener also staged a massive 183-run stand with KL Rahul 💥 pic.twitter.com/ghh7J686JV
After winning the Orange Cap in IPL 2020, Punjab Kings captain KL Rahul will look forward to playing with the same consistency in IPL 2021. Rahul formed an excellent opening partnership with his best friend Mayank Agarwal.
Rahul and Agarwal provided blistering starts to Punjab last year. Unfortunately, the middle-order could not capitalize. This year, Punjab have solved that issue.
Middle Order - Chris Gayle, Dawid Malan and Nicholas Pooran
50 for Chris Gayle 🙌
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) April 10, 2019
Punjab cross 100 without losing a wicket https://t.co/buZqHixsW0 #MIvKXIP #IPL2019 pic.twitter.com/BuoisMcDRF
When you have Chris Gayle, Dawid Malan, and Nicholas Pooran in the same squad, it would be a crime to bench any of the three players. Gayle, Malan, and Pooran can blow away any bowling lineup on this planet.
The Punjab Kings have the options of Sarfraz Khan and Mandeep Singh for backup. But if this trio of Malan, Gayle, and Pooran is available, then the team management should prefer including them in the playing XI.
All-rounders - Deepak Hooda and Chris Jordan
Is Chris Jordan Kings XI Punjab's match-winner? SRH need 14 in the last over https://t.co/CvjUPMtijE #KXIPvSRH #IPL2020 pic.twitter.com/4LiA70AfFP
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 24, 2020
Deepak Hooda will be the team’s batting all-rounder. Hooda impressed everyone with his batting performance in the United Arab Emirates last year. The franchise will expect a similar performance from the Baroda all-rounder.
For the final overseas slot, there will be a three-way battle between Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, and Chris Jordan. If the Punjab Kings consider the experience of three players and their performance in India, Jordan should make the cut.
Bowlers - Mohammed Shami, Murugan Ashwin, Ravi Bishnoi, and Ishan Porel
Kings XI Punjab take India U-19 World Cup winning quick Ishan Porel for just INR 0.2 crore
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 19, 2019
A steal at that price?https://t.co/ynMHgAFwmt #IPLAuction #IPLAuction2020 pic.twitter.com/Dj0YyF8jRp
Mohammed Shami will lead the pace attack of the Punjab Kings in IPL 2021. He will have the back of uncapped Ishan Porel in the fast-bowling department.
Murugan Ashwin and Ravi Bishnoi did a commendable job for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2020. Both leg-spinners implemented Anil Kumble’s advice to perfection. Hence, both deserve a place in the Punjab Kings playing XI for IPL 2021.
It will be interesting to see if the Punjab Kings go with the above-mentioned combination. They might want to include Meredith and Richardson but for that they might have to bench Malan or Jordan. Also, Arshdeep Singh will be in contention for a place in the XI because he is a left-arm seamer.