5 Reasons why Kings XI Punjab will fail to make it to the playoffs

The Kings XI Punjab is one of the few franchises that has been unable to lift the IPL trophy even once in all 9 editions of the league played until last year. There have been several reasons behind that the lack of depth in the squad, lack of game-changers and missing chemistry was cited as the key reasons behind their failure. The Punjab-based franchise decided to invest in the services of players like Martin Guptill, Varun Aaron, and Darren Sammy this season deeming them capable enough of spearheading a turnaround in fortunes. However, there are several reasons why the team might flatter to deceive again this season which are as follows- 1. Appointment of an inexperienced Captain Glenn Maxwell KXIP. (Photo Source: BCCI) Glenn Maxwell who was recently appointed as the skipper for the 10th edition of the Indian Premier League does not enjoy a wealth of experience. His pedigree as a skipper is still untested which makes the decision to appoint him nothing short of hara-kiri. In the past, the franchise suffered a lot after the then captain David Miller failed to handle the responsibilities and pressure which had a direct impact on his form with the willow. The squad boasts of the presence of a player like Darren Sammy who has an exceptional record as a captain and opting to appoint Maxwell is pretty tough to understand. 2. Absence of a crafty spinner Axar Patel. (Photo Source: BCCI) Kings XI are largely dependent on Akshar Patel in the spin department who is himself prone to a lapse of form. Every franchise enjoys the presence of reliable spin-bowlers who can make a difference in the crucial middle overs where the momentum of the game shifts in an instant. The squad is packed with speedsters but the glaring absence of a reliable spin bowling option who can perform on the slow and spinning tracks that will be dished out on most venues across India and snap up crucial wickets is a folly impossible to ignore. 3. Lack of reliable All-Rounders Kings XI Punjab. (Photo Source: BCCI) The presence of a reliable big-hitting all-rounder like Andre Russell or Kieron Pollard can be a boon for any side. The impact of a genuine all-rounder who can bowl a couple of economical overs and smash it big when necessary can never be ignored. Sadly the Kings XI Punjab squad does not enjoy this luxury. Glenn Maxwell can hardly be classified as an all-rounder in spite of his part-time off-spin bowling while Marcus Stoinis is still largely untested in India. Darren Sammy is the only prominent option who boasts of a reasonable record in Indian conditions. He carried decent form in the Pakistan Super League but will be interesting to see if and how KXIP make a place for him in the starting XI. 4. Insufficient firepower in the middle order Glenn Maxwell of Kings XI Punjab. (Photo Source: IANS) In case of an unfortunate scenario where Miller and Maxwell fail to fire with the willow, the side will be left badly exposed because of the lack of reliable backup options in the middle order. Eoin Morgan will not be available for the whole season and his absence will bare the weak underbelly. A solid middle-order is nothing short of a necessity for a side aspiring to achieve success and such a scenario does not augur well ahead of a fiercely competitive season of the IPL. 5. Lack of reliable in-form domestic performers (Photo Source: BCCI) Investing in Indian cricketers who have enjoyed a solid domestic campaign is extremely necessary. Proper experience on Indian conditions and proper knowledge enjoyed by the domestic cricketers can be invaluable for a franchise. Kings XI Punjab have invested wisely in the services of a pace bowler like T. Natarajan who has enjoyed a sensational domestic campaign but the batting department lacks the presence of such an option. In case of an eventuality where Manan Vohra and Gurukeerat Singh Mann fail to get the job done the side might crash out early this season as well.

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5 Reasons why Kings XI Punjab will fail to make it to the playoffs

4. Insufficient firepower in the middle order

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