IPL 2018: Virender Sehwag believes these two players would be great return on investment for KXIP

Former Indian cricketer and the current Director of Cricketing Operations of the Kings XI Punjab, Virender Sehwag, looked very confident at the recent jersey launch of his IPL franchise. Sehwag, who is set to play a key role in the team management this season, looked visibly happy with the way the unit has shaped up at the auctions this year. A lot was spoken about the franchise going for reckless buys at the auctions.

The KXIP camp roped in the services of Chris Gayle, who went unsold in the first round. Also, the team shelled out big money to get the services of veteran cricketer Yuvraj Singh. As per the recent quotes in Sport Star, Virender Sehwag noted that the team will get their money back even if Gayle and Yuvraj can win a couple of matches for the team.

While Yuvraj’s place in the playing eleven is certain, the place of Gayle is under clouds. Australian opener Aaron Finch is likely to open with Mayank Agarwal in the season. Finch, however, would miss the first game and that would see Gayle feature in the opener’s role for the match. Sehwag admitted that the selection conundrums would start after that.

“It is great that they have come to us at their base price. It is surely a bargain. Who knows if there were more bidders, they could have gone as high as $1 million. They are big names and match winners, even if they win two-three games for us, we would get the return on investment,” Virender Sehwag quoted.

“Finch is not available for the first game, so most likely Gayle will play in his place. So, the opening game is not a problem, but we have a big headache after that. We will all sit together and take the call. I believe Finch is such a player that he can play anywhere,” the former Indian cricketer noted.

The best KXIP team?

Speaking further on the team combination, Virender Sehwag remarked that the current squad is arguably the best that the Kings XI Punjab have had over the years. He believes that the team is capable of winning the championship this year. Furthermore, he noted that the team would be ably led by Ravichandran Ashwin. He noted that he feels the bowlers can always do the job for the team in any situation.

“The kind of team we have this year, we can win the championship. We have spent a lot of of money on some of the players, so hopefully they will do the job. This surely is the best KXIP team in the last 10 years,” Sehwag remarked.

“We don’t have an experienced bowling line-up, but we have a very good one. I am sure Ashwin will bring the best out of them. I have always felt that a bowler-captain can win you more games. If 8, 10 or 15 runs are needed in the final over, only a bowler can you win that game. The way a bowler-captain thinks, he can also help other bowlers on the field. That is why I am a great fan of Kapil Dev, Imran Khan and Wasim Akram, who all made great captains,” he added further.

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