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 

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 

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

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 

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.