IPL 2020: Flop XI of the first two weeks

7. James Neesham (KXIP)

KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal’s sensational form at the top has, unfortunately, not been sufficient to mask KXIP’s middle-order’s dismal performance. Barring a few noteworthy performances from Nicholas Pooran, none of the team’s designated finishers have taken much initiative yet. 

Maxwell, as previously mentioned, is culpable on that regard. As is his trans-Tasmanian teammate, James ‘Jimmy’ Neesham. The explosive Kiwi all-rounder hasn’t quite lived up to his fiery reputation and has been a major let-down with both the bat and the ball. 

The only batting opportunity he got was against the Mumbai Indians, where he could only manage to score a run-a-ball innings of 7 runs in a steep chase of 192. And while Rahul has tried utilising him as a complete, four-overs bowler on two occasions; the move backfired, as Jimmy went over 13 runs in each of those games. 

With just a solitary win from four matches, KXIP need to find their balance sooner rather than later.