Kings XI Punjab appoint KL Rahul as their skipper for IPL 2020

Kings XI Punjab made strides in the IPL 2020 auction as they acquired the services of many match-winning players. The Punjab-based franchise grabbed the services of Glenn Maxwell, Sheldon Cottrell, Deepak Hooda, Ishan Porel, Ravi Bishnoi and James Neesham.

The highlight of Kings XI Punjab’s activity in the auction has been their acquisition for the services of Glenn Maxwell. After Maxwell’s bid soared to Rs 10.75 Cr INR, the Delhi Capitals opted out of the bidding war and the Kings XI Punjab successfully secured Maxwell’s services. Along with Maxwell, Neesham is also expected to bolster their squad.

After equipping their squad with many prominent players, Kings XI Punjab has announced KL Rahul as their captain for the Indian Premier League’s 2020 auction. The Karnataka batsman has been in astounding form for India in the absence of Shikhar Dhawan. The right-hander smacked 102 runs off 104 balls in the second ODI against West Indies to level the three-match series.

Kings XI Punjab also have Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal to bolster their batting line-up

“We are happy to appoint Rahul as our captain for the upcoming season. He has been through a lot in the last year or so and has now come back strongly,” KXIP co-owner Ness Wadia was quoted by Business Standard on the day of the IPL auction in Kolkata.

“He has silenced his critics. You will get to see his ability not just as a batsman but also as a captain. He was our unanimous choice,” he added. Rahul had delivered impressive performances in the recently-concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy too. Along with Devdutt Padikkal, Rahul formed a formidable opening duo in the domestic tournament.

The 27-year-old has donned the Indian jersey in 34 T20Is and has gathered 1138 runs at an impressive average of 43.76. With India gearing up for the T20 World Cup next year, Kings XI Punjab’s captaincy might prove beneficial for Rahul to cement his spot in the side.

KL Rahul will be steering Punjab’s batting force along with the likes of Chris Gayle and Mayank Agarwal. With 20.25 crores INR still remaining in their purse, Punjab is anticipated to splurge their cash on other players too. They still have three slots left including an overseas slot.