IPL 2016: Kings XI Punjab Predicted XI

The Kings XI Punjab seemingly got it right in the 2014 edition of the IPL. They reached the final and were looking unbeatable. In David Miller and George Bailey, they had a winning combination. To add to their firepower, they had Glenn Maxwell, a crazy and insane batsman who cleared the rope as though he was on vacation. However, the following season saw Punjab franchise throw it all away. It was back to the drawing board in the 2016 auction. With the new skipper and the new additions, we take a look at the best KXIP team on paper. 1. Murali Vijay: Murali Vijay KXIP. (Photo Source: BCCI) Murali Vijay defied odds when he made it big in the IPL for the Chennai Super Kings. However, the Indian Test opener soon changed his loyalty to represent another King’s franchise. Since his move to the new franchise, Vijay has been in prime form. He will be key to the Kings XI Punjab chances in the upcoming IPL. 2. Manan Vohra: This stylish Punjab player was retained by Kings XI in the IPL 7 auctions. (Photo Source: BCCI) For many years now, Manan Vohra has been thrust into the thankless job of laying a launching-pad for the Kings. Despite being paired with different opening partners from time to time, Vohra’s consistency is something the Kings have thrived on in the past and they will be hoping that Vohra would be able to continue in the similar role. 3. Wriddhiman Saha (wk): W Shah. Photo: BCCI) Wriddhiman Saha is widely viewed as the replacement of India’s limited overs skipper MS Dhoni. Although his small stature doesn’t really showcase his big-hitting prowess, Saha proved that he can clear the boundary ropes with ease. Having been promoted to number 3 on the list, Saha has been a revelation of sorts. His consistency, as well as his glove work, has seen him become a prominent member of the side. 4. David Miller (C): David Miller KXIP. (Photo Source: BCCI) The South African southpaw seemingly has it all. Flicks, pulls, hooks and drives invariably ensure the ball’s trajectory into the stands. Now, he has been given the top-brass job – captaincy. How well can he lead remains to be seen, however, he seems to be the right man for the job at the moment especially after George Bailey was released from the squad. 5. Glenn Maxwell: Glenn Maxwell KXIP. (Photo Source: BCCI) Glenn Maxwell is perhaps the most explosive batsman in the world right now. He isn’t your regular Aussie bloke who plays the shots into the crowd. Blessed with steel-strong wrists, Maxwell deposits the ball into the stands as well as any other batsman. Set a field and he has a shot to surprise you! His part-time bowling and fielding skills make him an invaluable addition to the side. 6. Gurkeerat Singh Mann: (Photo Source: K Sivaraman) Gurkeerat Singh too rose to prominence with both bat and ball. Despite his obvious bowling prowess, Gurkeerat is a handy batsman at the top of the order. His performances with the bat saw him enter the foray of the Indian team and was included in the side that toured Australia in the fall of 2015. 7. Marcus Stoinis: (Photo Source: Twitter) In spite of being a hero in the Big Bash League, Marcus Stoinis is a relatively unknown commodity in the subcontinent. However, his exploits in Australian domestic cricket has seen him enter the reckoning of the national side as well as got him an IPL contract. His abilities with both bat and ball see him as much more than just a replacement for compatriot Bailey. 8. Mitchell Johnson: Mitchell Johnson (Photo Source: BCCI) In spite of retiring from international cricket for almost a year now, it is difficult to assume that Mitchell Johnson has lost his terrorizing pace. The fact that he was retained by the Kings XI Punjab has seen him become an important member of the Kings side. Watch out for the battle especially when Virat Kohli is at the other end. 9. Mohit Sharma: Mohit Sharma. (Photo Source: BCCI ) Mohit Sharma’s addition to the Kings XI Punjab side has been a strengthening one. Having made the switch from the disbanded Chennai Super Kings, Mohit will be hoping for yet another IPL season that gets him back into the national side. He is a skiddy customer and has a good back of the hand slower bouncer though he might go for runs on occasions Mohit is a wicket-taker in the shortest format. 10. Sandeep Sharma: Sandeep Sharma. (Photo Source: BCCI) The ability to swing the ball viciously is something Sandeep Sharma has mastered over the years. Boasting of the exuberance of youth as well as immense maturity, Sandeep has been a mainstay of the Kings XI Punjab side and provides them with the early breakthrough and is a tough customer when the ball is doing just a bit in the air. 11. KC Kariappa: (Photo Source: DNAIndia) A lot was riding on the so-called ‘mystery’ spinner after the Kolkata Knight Riders secured his services following a bidding war in 2015. However, having made little or no impact with the ball in KKR colors, Kariappa now finds himself as the only specialist spinner in the KXIP ranks. How Punjab use him and how well can he perform with a change in surroundings remains to be seen. Also read: 10 Little known IPL facts