Aakash Chopra feels KXIP should release three overseas players ahead of IPL 2021

Kings XI Punjab had a thrilling season bringing an adrenaline rush to the fans on several occasions. The 13th edition of the cricketing carnival showcased some of the spectacular close encounters compared to all other seasons. Punjab was in the driving seat to get the fans on the edge of their seat. Plenty of their matches went into the last-over climax.

The Punjab-based outfit could not book a spot in the playoffs due to a poor start in the season. However, there are a lot of positives and negatives as they sit on the drawing board before the IPL 14 auction. Talking about the silver lining, KL Rahul stood as an outstanding opener mustering 670 runs in the overall season. However, there were certain disappointments in the form of Glenn Maxwell and Sheldon Cottrell who could not live up to the billing throughout the season.

Arguing boldly on this bone of contention, the former India opener Aakash Chopra put forth some serious overhauling points for the Punjab team.

Akash Chopra expresses his concerns over the premier players in IPL

The Delhi-based former batsman opined that Kings XI Punjab must release their two heavyweights. Aussie brute power Glenn Maxwell and Caribbean speedster Sheldon Cottrell remained off-colors in the recently concluded competition in Dubai. The former bagged meager 108 runs in 13 crucial matches whereas the latter plucked only 6 wickets at the expense of 176 runs in 6 matches.

Facing severe criticism from the fans and experts, Aakash stated that the team management must let go of big-ticket buys Glenn Maxwell and Sheldon Cottrell. Eventually, they will boast a bigger purse for the IPL 2021 auctions. Moreover, he went hard against South African pacer Hardus Viljoen.

“They should leave out Sheldon Cottrell, they should leave Hardus Viljoen also if they are not playing him, and they should leave Maxwell as well,” Chopra quipped.

Moreover, he feels that Deepak Hooda must get chances to prove his dynamic power in the middle order. “Hooda did not get too many chances and Maxwell got plenty of opportunities. He didn’t disappoint a little, he was a huge disappointment. The Kings XI Punjab missed a trick or two with their selections,” Chopra said.

The former KKR player also pointed on Maxwell’s poor run and batted for young Deepak Hooda. “Maxwell’s lack of form was a big problem, overseas bowlers another big problem, and the Indian lower middle order where Hooda actually did well and gave them a chance in the last match.”