IPL 2013 Team Preview : Kings XI Punjab

When it comes to under-performing in a league, you cant rule out Tottenham Hotspurs and Kings XI Punjab. Kings XI Punjab is known for their glamour quotient and controversies more than their performances in IPL. After making the last 4 in the inaugural edition, Kings XI Punjab failed to qualify for the knockouts in the next 4 editions. Cricmatez.com brings you the complete preview of Kings XI Punjab and what they have in store in IPL2013.

Kings XI Punjab squad for IPL 2013

Indian players representing Kings XI Punjab:

• Mandeep Singh
• Nitin Saini
• Praveen Kumar
• Piyush Chawla
• Bipul Sharma
• Bharghav Bhat
• Harmeet Singh Bansal
• Gurkeerat Singh
• Manpreet Gony
• Manan Vohra
• Parvinder Awana
• Paul Valthaty
• Rajagopalan Satish
• Siddharth Chitnis
• Sunny Singh
• Sandeep Sharme
• Aniket Choudhry

Overseas players representing Kings XI Punjab:

• Adam Gilchrist
• David Hussey
• Shaun Marsh
• Ryan Harris
• Dmitri Mascarenhas
• Azhar Mahmood
• David Miller
• Luke Pomersbach

Strengths

• Presence of David Hussey and Azhar Mahmood, the veterans of T20 cricket.
• Presence of good Indian bowlers.
• All the players are available throughout the tournament.
• Formidable batting Order consisting of Gilchrist, Marsh, Azhar, Hussey,Mandeep Singh to name a few.
• Have tons of experience in their squad.
• Gilchrist as a coach cum captain can recreate the magic he did for Deccan Chargers in 2009.

Weakness

• Indian Players failing to deliver when it matters the most.
• Over dependent on foreigners.
• Can leak away runs in pressure situations.
• Weak Middle order.
• Fielding is a concern for players except Marsh, Hussey and Satish.

X-Factor

With Kings XI Punjab lacking impact players, the entire responsibility lies on the shoulders of seasoned cricketers Azhar Mahmood and David Hussey. Azhar Mahmood, the only Pakistani to take part in the IPL is a free lance cricketer who travel around the world and play for various clubs in different countries. He is a genuine All-Rounder who is ideal for T20’s. David Hussey is the leading run scorer in T20 cricket. Like Mahmood, Hussey is an All-Rounder who can be effective with his off spin. Kings XI Punjab skipper Gilchrist has a lot of faith in this duo. This pair has the potential to win games for their team single handedly.

Watch out for

Praveen Kumar, one of India’s forgotten Pace sensation will spearhead the Kings XI Punjab bowling attack. His four overs with the new ball will be crucial for Kings XI Punjab. He has the ability to swing the ball both ways effectively and that challenges the batsmen to score off him. With India Touring South Africa later this year, Praveen’s good show for Kings XI Punjab will earn him a place in the National Squad.

Adam Gilchrist is the perfect synonym for the word Wicket Keeping. Even at 41, he is still at his best when it comes to playing cricket. His opening partnership with Shaun Marsh will be crucial for Kings XI Punjab in making a good total. He saves some extra runs behind the stumps. 5 years after his retirement from International Cricket, he is loved by the cricketing fraternity shows the value he brings in to the team. Besides these Gilchrist is the Coach cum Captain for Kings XI Punjab.

Kings XI Punjab Possible Playing XI:

Adam Gilchrist, Shaun Marsh, Mandeep Singh, Azhar Mahmood, David Hussey, Gurkeerat Singh, Rajagopal Satish, Piyush Chawla, Praveen Kumar, Manpreet Gony/ Parvinder Awana, Harmeet Singh Bansal.

Kings XI Punjab schedule for IPL 2013:

 *Home team is mentioned first

Can the Kings XI Punjab end their title drought and win the IPL for their first time?