'Lo main aagya' - James Neesham after Kings XI Punjab welcome him with song 'Jimmy Jimmy Aja'

The much-awaited thirteenth edition of the Indian Premier League is also set to commence from September 10th after many delays. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the BCCI was left with no option but to shift the cash-rich league to the UAE. Ahead of the start of the much-awaited tournament, all franchises have already started training outdoors upon their arrival in the gulf country.

The overseas stars have also started joining their respective IPL sides. Any IPL edition would be seen as a bland one without the involvement of overseas players. Along with several Indian starlets, foreign players also deserve the credit for playing a vital role in the illustrious journey of the cash-rich league.

After completing his six-day quarantine, Kings XI Punjab and New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham has also joined the franchise for its training sessions. He was spotted in the nets on Thursday and the Punjab franchise even shared a video of Neesham saying, “Lo main aa gaya.”

James Neesham set to make his comeback in IPL after 6 years

Neesham is set to make a comeback in the IPL after six long years. The Kiwi had made his IPL debut with the Delhi franchise six seasons ago, having earned his New Zealand cap in December 2012.

“It is my first time getting involved in a long time. It is exciting to come as an older player and as an experienced player. Last time I played for Delhi, I was young and talented but didn’t really know much about my game,” Neesham had said during his six-day quarantine in the UAE.

Kings XI Punjab, led by KL Rahul, will open their IPL 2020 campaign on September 20th against Delhi Capitals at Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Apart from Rahul and Neesham, the team looks balanced with the presence of Anil Kumble as their head coach. KXIP are also equipped with match-winners like Chris Gayle, Glenn Maxwell, Chris Jordan and Mohammed Shami.

The KL Rahul-led side will certainly aim to end their long wait and clinch maiden IPL title this season. KXIP’s last best performance came in 2014 where they were the runners-up of the tournament. Struggling with inconsistent performances over the past few years, the Punjab army will be hoping to defy the odds and put up a dominant show on the UAE soil.