All-time best XI of Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in IPL

8. Axar Patel

Axar Patel, the bowling all-rounder from Gujarat, had earned his maiden IPL contract with Mumbai Indians in 2013, and a switch to KXIP the following season made him a household name in the competition in the years that followed. Axar Patel took 69 wickets in 72 matches and had a joyous time at KXIP apart from his last season. He won the emerging player of the season award in 2014.

Axar’s economical left-arm spin bowling and handy batting lower down the order made him an asset for the Mohali franchise, and earned him a call-up for India in the limited-overs formats. He was one of their most dangerous bowlers during his 5-season-stint as he took around 15 wickets in 4 of those seasons. Moreover, his economy rate of 7.41 is commendable.

Axar’s inclusion in the side adds to the balance in the bowling department and he is also more than capable with the willow in his hand. Patel scored almost 700 runs during his time at Kings XI Punjab which includes two separate seasons where he scored 200+ runs whilst batting in the lower batting order. A feature of his batting is his ability to clear the ropes.