IPL 2021: SWOT Analysis of Punjab Kings (PBKS)

The Punjab Kings (formerly known as Kings XI Punjab) were one of the most entertaining teams of IPL 2020. Almost every match involving the Mohali-based franchise was a close encounter. Unfortunately, Punjab missed out on a playoff spot last year despite coming very close. The KL Rahul-led outfit will be keen to make a fresh start in IPL 2021.

The Punjab Kings had the biggest purse heading into IPL Auction 2021. They broke the bank at the auction to sign Jhye Richardson and Riley Meredith. It was a bit surprising to see the Punjab Kings bid so aggressively for the two Aussie pacers because both have zero IPL experience. In fact, they have not played much cricket in Indian conditions.

Besides, the Punjab Kings secured Dawid Malan at his base price of 1.5 crore. It will be interesting to see how the Punjab Kings fit him in their playing XI. There are many other exciting names present in the Punjab squad.

Full squad of Punjab Kings (PBKS):

KL Rahul, Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran, Ishan Porel, Sarfaraz Khan, Murugan Ashwin, Deepak Hooda, Mohammed Shami, Chris Jordan, Ravi Bishnoi, Harpreet Brar, Prabhsimran Singh, Darshan Nalkande, Arshdeep Singh, Dawid Malan, Jhye Richardson, Shahrukh Khan, Riley Meredith, Moises Henriques, Jalaj Saxena, Utkarsh Singh, Fabian Allen, Saurabh Kumar

Purse Remaining- INR 18.80 Crore

IPL 2021: SWOT Analysis of Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Strengths – Top order

IPL 2020 Orange Cap winner KL Rahul will open the innings for the Punjab Kings in IPL 2021. He will have the back of Mayank Agarwal, who had his best IPL season in the UAE last year. Universe Boss Chris Gayle will back up the two Punjab Kings openers at number three.

Nicholas Pooran, who was sensational for the Northern Warriors in the Abu Dhabi T10 League 2021, will be a part of the middle-order. Dawid Malan is likely to be the back-up option for Pooran. One can understand the strength of the Punjab Kings lineup by seeing that the world number one T20I batsman is in the squad and is struggling to get a place in the XI.

Sarfaraz Khan has done well for Mumbai in the domestic circuit. Mandeep Singh and Deepak Hooda have played many IPL seasons. Fabian Allen and Moises Henriques are quality finishers, whereas Shahrukh Khan and Prabh Simran Singh have been exceptional in domestic cricket. So, all in all, the Punjab Kings have a stellar batting unit.