IPL 2020: Brad Hogg predicts Kings XI Punjab ‘to finish last’ in the tournament

Brad Hogg, the former Australian cricketer, reckons that Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will end as the cellar dwellers of the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Mohali-based franchise couldn’t qualify for the playoffs in the last two seasons, playing under Ravi Ashwin’s leadership, despite starting the tournaments with a string of victories.

Hogg feels that the team has loads of game-changers in their ranks in the form of Glenn Maxwell, Chris Gayle and James Neesham. However, the veteran also said that they aren’t as consistent as one would expect their foreign players to be. While Gayle has been KXIP’s part since 2018, Maxwell and Neesham were new inclusions in the auction.

Hogg, who had played for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR), stated that Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Chris Jordan will have crucial roles to play for them. Hogg put forth his opinions while responding to fans’ queries on his YouTube channel.

They are too much up and down: Brad Hogg

“For me their overseas player contingent is all match-winners apart from Rahman from Afghanistan and Jordan. Those two have specific roles in this particular team and are quality bowlers,” Hogg was quoted as saying.

Both Mujeeb and Jordan have shown excellent form of late. Mujeeb tormented batsmen, playing for Jamaica Tallawahs in the 2020 Caribbean Premier League (CPL). Jordan, on the other hand, rattled Australia’s star-studded batting lineup in the three-match T20I series.

“But the other guys there like Maxwell, Gayle and Neesham, they just have the odd standout games, they are not very consistent with what you want from an overseas player,” he stated.

“They are too much up and down. That’s why Kings XI are going to finish last,” Hogg concluded. KXIP are yet to get their hands on the coveted trophy.

However, it’s pertinent to note that the last time the IPL took place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), though partially, KXIP ended as the runners-up. The upcoming edition is scheduled to get underway on September 19. Their first match is against the Delhi Capitals on Sunday, September 20 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.