IPL 10, Match 8, KXIP v RCB: Kings XI Punjab Predicted XI

As the Kings XI Punjab take on two-time finalists Royal Challengers Bangalore, the side will look to maintain their momentum from their win against the Rising Pune Supergiant. With a string of unsuccessful series over the last few years, the Kings XI haven’t lived up to their paper strength. As many as 10 captains have led the side in the last 10 years, which has proven that the team hasn’t had faith in their leaders.

For this season, it’s Glenn Maxwell at the helm, a seemingly rash Australian all-rounder, who has never captained any side ever before. Here he is leading a Kings XI Punjab side in one of the most watched tournaments in the world. He’s started off well though with a win already in the bag.

KXIP will look to add strength to their bowling line-up as they face off against a batting-heavy RCB side. Here’s a look at the predicted XI for the Kings XI Punjab.

Hashim Amla

The South African hasn’t had much to show for as far as the IPL is concerned. Having played only 7 matches in two seasons, Amla has scored 185 runs which he would consider a bit low for his standards. Nevertheless, a prolific batsman, Amla can strike boundaries at will. He doesn’t rely much on power, but he exudes elegance and finesse while at the crease.

Manan Vohra

The youngster has given Punjab a quick start on many occasions. Although a little man, Manan Vohra can pack a punch and hit the ball a fair distance. He makes good use of the field restrictions and keeps himself busy at the crease. Vohra will certainly provide valuable support to Amla at the other end.

Wriddhiman Saha

India wicket-keeper batsman Wriddhiman Saha is a force to reckon with. Although a Test specialist, he is an aggressive player when it comes to the shortest format of the game. Saha’s 100 in the 2014 IPL final against KKR was a brilliant display of his ability to attack from the word go. Saha being the man with the gloves comes as an automatic selection for the game.

Glenn Maxwell

Australia’s Glenn Maxwell can take the game by the scruff of the neck the moment he comes into bat. He’s fearless, even slightly reckless at times, but he gets the job done. He can bat till the end and provide the burst that KXIP need at the death. Maxwell has an impressive IPL strike rate of 163. Skipper Maxwell will look to lead from the front with a stellar performance with the bat.

David Miller

When it’s Miller time, there’s nothing much the opposition can do. He’s a fierce striker of the ball and can add valuable runs at the end of the innings. Miller, however, hasn’t been able to live up to his tag lately and is due for big innings. David Miller is also a brilliant fielder and can captain the side if Maxwell is unavailable.

Gurkeerat Singh Mann

An underrated batsman, Gurkeerat hasn’t had too many opportunities to showcase his talent. He received a call-up to the national team but wasn’t able to cash in. Gurkeerat can strike the ball clean and can also offer his services as an off-spinner if Punjab needs the extra bowler. He can hit the big sixes that his side needs at the death overs.

Axar Patel

Axar Patel was a sensation recently and was even a suitable replacement for Ravindra Jadeja. However, he’s been axed from the Indian team and hasn’t been able to make a comeback. Axar is a tidy left-arm orthodox bowler and can use the long handle to great effect. He’ll look to make a statement with both bat and ball this season.

Mohit Sharma

Another Indian pacer who’s lost his place in the national team, Mohit Sharma is a skiddy customer. He’s hard to face as he has those controlled variations up his sleeve. Mohit had been quite consistent for the Chennai Super Kings but has failed to replicate those performances for KXIP. He’s nevertheless a great bowler at the death.

Sandeep Sharma

This youngster has been brilliant in the IPL and has proved his mettle on the big stage. A bowler who doesn’t rely much on pace, Sandeep Sharma can swing the ball early on in the innings. He has the ability to move the ball both ways, hence troubling batsmen outside the off stump. Sandeep Sharma is also cool and composed at the death and gives away few runs at crucial stages of the game.

Matt Henry

This man is fierce and this man is quick. New Zealand’s Matt Henry is all about pace and bounce. He can fire the ball in at 140+ speeds. With lethal bouncers and targeted yorkers, Henry is a great bowler up front. He’ll look to strengthen the KXIP bowling attack with his experience and skill.

T Natarajan

This youngster grabbed attention following a stellar domestic season and was hence bought for big money during the auction. T Natarajan is a promising young bowler who brings in pace and accuracy. The Tamil Nadu speedster will look to trouble batsmen early on in the innings as well as do the job at the end.

The Holkar Stadium at Indore is sure to host a crackerjack of a game between the two power-packed sides RCB and Kings XI Punjab.