Kings XI Punjab have had two embarrassing seasons of the the Indian Premier League in the last two years. Prior to that, they were the team to beat in the 2014 edition of the tournament and had made it to the finals. They had given a lot of hopes to their fans especially with their middle-order pair of Glenn Maxwell and David Miller going all guns blazing that season.

In the last two seasons, both these players have largely failed to live up to their reputation and that has cost the dearly. Coming to the 2017 edition, the Kings are set to play their first match of the season against the Rising Pune Supergiant. Considering the form of the RPS, they had similar fortunes to that of KXIP last season. They had finished at the penultimate position of the points table.

Had MS Dhoni not hit 23 runs off the final over off the bowling of Axar Patel in the last league match of the IPL 2016, the Kings XI Punjab could have seen themselves finish at the number 7 position and avoid the wooden spoon in the tournament. Having said that, it is important to know that RPS is a revamped unit now and have won their first game this season. So what combinations do the Kings go out with in the first game? Here is the Kings XI Punjab Predicted XI for the KXIPvRPS encounter:

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/South-African-batsman-Hashim-Amla-raises-his-bat-GettyImages-461627146.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37906" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/South-African-batsman-Hashim-Amla-raises-his-bat-GettyImages-461627146.jpg" alt="ODI hundred against all Test playing nations" width="594" height="395" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-37906" class="wp-caption-text">Hashim Amla. (© ANESH DEBIKY/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Hashim Amla made his IPL debut last year and was quite impressive during his short stint at the tournament. He is a class act and is a treat to watch when onsong. Amla has not been in the best of the form in the recent times. However his experience at the top order is something that the team will be craving for.

In the 6 matches that he played last year, he mustered 157 runs. He had a top score of 96 and had nearly got past a majestic ton. This year, with the absence of Murali Vijay as the opener, Amla might have to take the bulk of the responsibility.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/06/33790.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-5263 size-large" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/33790-600x400.jpg" alt width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5263" class="wp-caption-text">Wriddhiman Saha of the Kings X1 Punjab swings his bat for a great Shot (Photo: BCCI)</figcaption>

Talented Indian wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha is most likely to be promoted up the order in the absence of injured Murali Vijay. Saha is not new to the opening role and has donned the hat of an opener before as well. He has an IPL century to his name, and that in the finals of the tournament back in 2014. In the recent times, he has been in a phenomenal form with the bat.

He has heavily scored runs for the national side batting with the lower order. Albeit these runs have come in the longer format of the game, the credit cannot be taken away from him. Also, Saha himself recently admitted that he is keen on translating the good form of Test cricket to the T20s in the IPL. Expect Saha to be the frontline and obvious choice for the wicket keeper role as well.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/David-Miller-IPL-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-123880" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/David-Miller-IPL-1.jpg" alt="David Miller Kings XI Punjab IPL" width="600" height="410" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-123880" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

South African batsman David Miller was a revelation for the Kings XI Punjab when he was drafted in the side a few years ago. He is one the integral part of the setup for the team now. In the 61 matches that he has played in the IPL, he has scored 1480 runs at an average of 36.09 and strike rate of 144.39.

Compare these staggering numbers to his meek show in the IPL 2016. He had played 14 matches last season and could score only 161 cumulative runs. He had a top score of 31 and that certainly did not help their cause. His 2014 edition was the best for him when he scored with an average of 44.60. The KXIP management will now hope for Miller to have a repeat show of his 2014 heroics.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-67866" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg" alt="Glenn Maxwel" width="600" height="384" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-67866" class="wp-caption-text">Mohali: Kings XI Punjab batsman Glenn Maxwell in action during an IPL match between Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on May 7, 2016. (Photo Source: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

Glenn Maxwell is the newly appointed skipper of the Kings XI Punjab. He will have to take the leading role to ensure that the team does not falter yet again. Also, given the fact that he will be leading the side, one can expect the hard hitting batsman to show more application in the middle. Maxwell has had two very poor editions of the IPL and has not been able to replicate his heroics that he had come up with during the 2014 edition.

In the previous edition of the tournament, he had only 179 runs to his name in 11 matches and averaged beloew 20 with the bat. A season prior to that, he had played the same number of matches and had yielded an even lower outputs with only 145 runs. His average, too, was as low as 13.18 with the bat.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/06/Manan-Vohra-e1402118063596.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-5276 size-large" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Manan-Vohra-e1402118063596-582x400.jpg" alt width="582" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 582px) 100vw, 582px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5276" class="wp-caption-text">Manan Vohra. (Photo: BCCI)</figcaption>

Manan Vohra has been one of the unsung players of the KXIP dugout. Time and again, the talented Indian batsman has shown that he is one of the players to watch out for. He is someone who can bat anywhere in the batting line up. The team can opt to play him as an opener, or even in the middle order. Vohra has had his fair share of impressive outings in the tournament till now.

However, a very big score is something that he is deprived of at the moment. He will have to ensure that he gets to that big score sometime soon this season as the opportunities always seem to be limited. Vohra is likely to be drafted in the playing eleven considering the fact that the Kings would want to beef up their batting department which lacks Indian contingent players. 

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Eoin-Morgan-ENG.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-117485" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Eoin-Morgan-ENG.jpg" alt="Eoin Morgan" width="600" height="421" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-117485" class="wp-caption-text">England captain Eoin Morgan celebrates reaching his century. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Eoin Morgan is in line to make his IPL debut for the Kings this season. Over the years, the English skipper has been one of the most underused players in the tournament. He was with the Sunrisers Hyderabad las year and had got very little opportunities to play in the season.

This year the Kings XI Punjab need someone to step up and take the responsibility to help their dwindling fortunes. In such a case, someone like Morgan can add to the stability in the line up. Also, he brings an additional factor to the table. He can be very helpful for someone like Glenn Maxwell when it comes to captaincy.Axar Patel

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Axar-Patel.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-70139" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Axar-Patel.jpg" alt="Axar Patel" width="600" height="429" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-70139" class="wp-caption-text">Axar Patel. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

Axar Patel had a very disappointing season last year. Moreover, it was about embarrassment when he failed to defend 23 runs in the last over against the very same opposition in the league match. When he had broke out on the scene in the 2014 edition, he was awarded as the emerging player of the season.

The team will now want him to come up with a repeat performance of the same this season. Last year, Axar played 14 matches for the team and could only pick 13 wickets with the ball. His batting performance was even worse as he could muster only 111 runs in the season with an average just above 17.

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/04/K-C-Cariappa.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-15423 size-large" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/K-C-Cariappa-600x358.jpg" alt="IPL" width="600" height="358" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15423" class="wp-caption-text">IPL auction: Salary cap may be introduced for uncapped players. (Photo Source: Kolkata Knight Riders)</figcaption>

KC Cariappa made the news when he was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL for a whopping amount in the auction a couple of seasons ago. He did not get his opportunities back then. However, when he was bought by the Kings XI, he got his chances to play. However, he largely failed in his attempt to impress.

He played 5 matches for the team and could pick up just 3 wickets. He had the best figures of 2/16 last season. He is a mystery spinner who is capable of bowling with great economy. This year, he might be tried in the first few matches as the camp is deprived of quality spinners. Mohit Sharma

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/04/Mohit-Sharma-vs-Mumbai-Indians-in-IPL9.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-64467 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mohit-Sharma-vs-Mumbai-Indians-in-IPL9.jpg" alt width="695" height="490" sizes="(max-width: 695px) 100vw, 695px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-64467" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

Over the years, Mohit Sharma has evolved as a domestic veteran. However, he was taken to cleaners in the previous edition when he leaked runs at over 8 runs per over. His economy rate was 8.39 with the ball. He played 14 matches and took only 13 wickets.

He was being tipped as one of the best death overs bowlers from the Indian setup. But his bowling at the death was unimpressive. Considering the fact that he has been on the roster for quite some time now, he might go in as the spearhead of the attack. Sandeep Sharma

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Sandeep-Sharma-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-70172" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sandeep-Sharma-1.jpg" alt="Sandeep Sharma" width="600" height="411" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-70172" class="wp-caption-text">Sandeep Sharma. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

Sandeep Sharma was the most successful bowler for the Kings XI last season. He has been the leading pacer for them for the last couple of years. While the team has largely struggled in the tournament editions in the last two years, Sandeep has constantly been among the wickets.

His ability to bowl constant line and lengths is something that has helped him bowl well in the powerplays with the new ball. Also, he can swing the ball both ways and that is something that the Kings will want him to do. He is a certain starter for the first game of the season for the Kings against the Rising Pune Supergiant.Anureet Singh

<a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Anureet-Singh-KXIP.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-17917" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Anureet-Singh-KXIP.jpg" alt="Anureet Singh KXIP" width="669" height="586" sizes="(max-width: 669px) 100vw, 669px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-17917" class="wp-caption-text">Anureet Singh KXIP. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption>

Albeit there are speculations that Ishant Sharma might make his debut for the Kings XI Punjab today, there is a very good possibility that the team might go with the tried and tested pacer in Anureet Singh. Bowling in tandem with Sandeep Singh, Anureet has been a top performer with the ball in the limited opportunities he has got.

He bowls pretty much similar to the way his team mate Sandeep Sharma bowls. He is slightly quicker than him and bowls tight lines. If the Kings look for discipline in the lineup, they must head on to Anureet. Anureet can bowl deceptive slower ones as well which is an added bowling quotient.

Kings XI Punjab have had two embarrassing seasons of the the Indian Premier League in the last two years. Prior to that, they were the team to beat in the 2014 edition of the tournament and had made it to the finals. They had given a lot of hopes to their fans especially with their middle-order pair of Glenn Maxwell and David Miller going all guns blazing that season.
In the last two seasons, both these players have largely failed to live up to their reputation and that has cost the dearly. Coming to the 2017 edition, the Kings are set to play their first match of the season against the Rising Pune Supergiant. Considering the form of the RPS, they had similar fortunes to that of KXIP last season. They had finished at the penultimate position of the points table.
Had MS Dhoni not hit 23 runs off the final over off the bowling of Axar Patel in the last league match of the IPL 2016, the Kings XI Punjab could have seen themselves finish at the number 7 position and avoid the wooden spoon in the tournament. Having said that, it is important to know that RPS is a revamped unit now and have won their first game this season. So what combinations do the Kings go out with in the first game? Here is the Kings XI Punjab Predicted XI for the KXIPvRPS encounter:
Hashim Amla
<figure id="attachment_37906" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-37906" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/South-African-batsman-Hashim-Amla-raises-his-bat-GettyImages-461627146.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-37906" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/South-African-batsman-Hashim-Amla-raises-his-bat-GettyImages-461627146.jpg" alt="ODI hundred against all Test playing nations" width="594" height="395" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-37906" class="wp-caption-text">Hashim Amla. (© ANESH DEBIKY/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Hashim Amla made his IPL debut last year and was quite impressive during his short stint at the tournament. He is a class act and is a treat to watch when onsong. Amla has not been in the best of the form in the recent times. However his experience at the top order is something that the team will be craving for.
In the 6 matches that he played last year, he mustered 157 runs. He had a top score of 96 and had nearly got past a majestic ton. This year, with the absence of Murali Vijay as the opener, Amla might have to take the bulk of the responsibility.
Wriddhiman Saha
<figure id="attachment_5263" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5263" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/06/33790.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-5263 size-large" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/33790-600x400.jpg" alt width="600" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5263" class="wp-caption-text">Wriddhiman Saha of the Kings X1 Punjab swings his bat for a great Shot (Photo: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Talented Indian wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha is most likely to be promoted up the order in the absence of injured Murali Vijay. Saha is not new to the opening role and has donned the hat of an opener before as well. He has an IPL century to his name, and that in the finals of the tournament back in 2014. In the recent times, he has been in a phenomenal form with the bat.
He has heavily scored runs for the national side batting with the lower order. Albeit these runs have come in the longer format of the game, the credit cannot be taken away from him. Also, Saha himself recently admitted that he is keen on translating the good form of Test cricket to the T20s in the IPL. Expect Saha to be the frontline and obvious choice for the wicket keeper role as well.
David Miller
<figure id="attachment_123880" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-123880" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/David-Miller-IPL-1.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-123880" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/David-Miller-IPL-1.jpg" alt="David Miller Kings XI Punjab IPL" width="600" height="410" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-123880" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
South African batsman David Miller was a revelation for the Kings XI Punjab when he was drafted in the side a few years ago. He is one the integral part of the setup for the team now. In the 61 matches that he has played in the IPL, he has scored 1480 runs at an average of 36.09 and strike rate of 144.39.
Compare these staggering numbers to his meek show in the IPL 2016. He had played 14 matches last season and could score only 161 cumulative runs. He had a top score of 31 and that certainly did not help their cause. His 2014 edition was the best for him when he scored with an average of 44.60. The KXIP management will now hope for Miller to have a repeat show of his 2014 heroics.
Glenn Maxwell
<figure id="attachment_67866" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-67866" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-67866" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg" alt="Glenn Maxwel" width="600" height="384" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-67866" class="wp-caption-text">Mohali: Kings XI Punjab batsman Glenn Maxwell in action during an IPL match between Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on May 7, 2016. (Photo Source: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Glenn Maxwell is the newly appointed skipper of the Kings XI Punjab. He will have to take the leading role to ensure that the team does not falter yet again. Also, given the fact that he will be leading the side, one can expect the hard hitting batsman to show more application in the middle. Maxwell has had two very poor editions of the IPL and has not been able to replicate his heroics that he had come up with during the 2014 edition.
In the previous edition of the tournament, he had only 179 runs to his name in 11 matches and averaged beloew 20 with the bat. A season prior to that, he had played the same number of matches and had yielded an even lower outputs with only 145 runs. His average, too, was as low as 13.18 with the bat.
Manan Vohra
<figure id="attachment_5276" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5276" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/06/Manan-Vohra-e1402118063596.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-5276 size-large" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Manan-Vohra-e1402118063596-582x400.jpg" alt width="582" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5276" class="wp-caption-text">Manan Vohra. (Photo: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Manan Vohra has been one of the unsung players of the KXIP dugout. Time and again, the talented Indian batsman has shown that he is one of the players to watch out for. He is someone who can bat anywhere in the batting line up. The team can opt to play him as an opener, or even in the middle order. Vohra has had his fair share of impressive outings in the tournament till now.
However, a very big score is something that he is deprived of at the moment. He will have to ensure that he gets to that big score sometime soon this season as the opportunities always seem to be limited. Vohra is likely to be drafted in the playing eleven considering the fact that the Kings would want to beef up their batting department which lacks Indian contingent players. 
Eoin Morgan
<figure id="attachment_117485" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-117485" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Eoin-Morgan-ENG.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-117485" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Eoin-Morgan-ENG.jpg" alt="Eoin Morgan" width="600" height="421" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-117485" class="wp-caption-text">England captain Eoin Morgan celebrates reaching his century. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Eoin Morgan is in line to make his IPL debut for the Kings this season. Over the years, the English skipper has been one of the most underused players in the tournament. He was with the Sunrisers Hyderabad las year and had got very little opportunities to play in the season.
This year the Kings XI Punjab need someone to step up and take the responsibility to help their dwindling fortunes. In such a case, someone like Morgan can add to the stability in the line up. Also, he brings an additional factor to the table. He can be very helpful for someone like Glenn Maxwell when it comes to captaincy.Axar Patel
<figure id="attachment_70139" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-70139" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Axar-Patel.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-70139" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Axar-Patel.jpg" alt="Axar Patel" width="600" height="429" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-70139" class="wp-caption-text">Axar Patel. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Axar Patel had a very disappointing season last year. Moreover, it was about embarrassment when he failed to defend 23 runs in the last over against the very same opposition in the league match. When he had broke out on the scene in the 2014 edition, he was awarded as the emerging player of the season.
The team will now want him to come up with a repeat performance of the same this season. Last year, Axar played 14 matches for the team and could only pick 13 wickets with the ball. His batting performance was even worse as he could muster only 111 runs in the season with an average just above 17.
KC Cariappa
<figure id="attachment_15423" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15423" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/04/K-C-Cariappa.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-15423 size-large" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/K-C-Cariappa-600x358.jpg" alt="IPL" width="600" height="358" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15423" class="wp-caption-text">IPL auction: Salary cap may be introduced for uncapped players. (Photo Source: Kolkata Knight Riders)</figcaption></figure>
KC Cariappa made the news when he was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL for a whopping amount in the auction a couple of seasons ago. He did not get his opportunities back then. However, when he was bought by the Kings XI, he got his chances to play. However, he largely failed in his attempt to impress.
He played 5 matches for the team and could pick up just 3 wickets. He had the best figures of 2/16 last season. He is a mystery spinner who is capable of bowling with great economy. This year, he might be tried in the first few matches as the camp is deprived of quality spinners. Mohit Sharma
<figure id="attachment_64467" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-64467" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/04/Mohit-Sharma-vs-Mumbai-Indians-in-IPL9.jpg"><amp-img class="wp-image-64467 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mohit-Sharma-vs-Mumbai-Indians-in-IPL9.jpg" alt width="695" height="490" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-64467" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Over the years, Mohit Sharma has evolved as a domestic veteran. However, he was taken to cleaners in the previous edition when he leaked runs at over 8 runs per over. His economy rate was 8.39 with the ball. He played 14 matches and took only 13 wickets.
He was being tipped as one of the best death overs bowlers from the Indian setup. But his bowling at the death was unimpressive. Considering the fact that he has been on the roster for quite some time now, he might go in as the spearhead of the attack. Sandeep Sharma
<figure id="attachment_70172" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-70172" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Sandeep-Sharma-1.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-70172" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sandeep-Sharma-1.jpg" alt="Sandeep Sharma" width="600" height="411" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-70172" class="wp-caption-text">Sandeep Sharma. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Sandeep Sharma was the most successful bowler for the Kings XI last season. He has been the leading pacer for them for the last couple of years. While the team has largely struggled in the tournament editions in the last two years, Sandeep has constantly been among the wickets.
His ability to bowl constant line and lengths is something that has helped him bowl well in the powerplays with the new ball. Also, he can swing the ball both ways and that is something that the Kings will want him to do. He is a certain starter for the first game of the season for the Kings against the Rising Pune Supergiant.Anureet Singh
<figure id="attachment_17917" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-17917" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Anureet-Singh-KXIP.jpg"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-17917" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Anureet-Singh-KXIP.jpg" alt="Anureet Singh KXIP" width="669" height="586" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-17917" class="wp-caption-text">Anureet Singh KXIP. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Albeit there are speculations that Ishant Sharma might make his debut for the Kings XI Punjab today, there is a very good possibility that the team might go with the tried and tested pacer in Anureet Singh. Bowling in tandem with Sandeep Singh, Anureet has been a top performer with the ball in the limited opportunities he has got.
He bowls pretty much similar to the way his team mate Sandeep Sharma bowls. He is slightly quicker than him and bowls tight lines. If the Kings look for discipline in the lineup, they must head on to Anureet. Anureet can bowl deceptive slower ones as well which is an added bowling quotient.

Kings XI Punjab have had two embarrassing seasons of the the Indian Premier League in the last two years. Prior to that, they were the team to beat in the 2014 edition of the tournament and had made it to the finals. They had given a lot of hopes to their fans especially with their middle-order pair of Glenn Maxwell and David Miller going all guns blazing that season.
In the last two seasons, both these players have largely failed to live up to their reputation and that has cost the dearly. Coming to the 2017 edition, the Kings are set to play their first match of the season against the Rising Pune Supergiant. Considering the form of the RPS, they had similar fortunes to that of KXIP last season. They had finished at the penultimate position of the points table.
Had MS Dhoni not hit 23 runs off the final over off the bowling of Axar Patel in the last league match of the IPL 2016, the Kings XI Punjab could have seen themselves finish at the number 7 position and avoid the wooden spoon in the tournament. Having said that, it is important to know that RPS is a revamped unit now and have won their first game this season. So what combinations do the Kings go out with in the first game? Here is the Kings XI Punjab Predicted XI for the KXIPvRPS encounter:
Hashim Amla
<figure id="attachment_37906" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-37906" style="width: 594px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/10/South-African-batsman-Hashim-Amla-raises-his-bat-GettyImages-461627146.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-37906" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/South-African-batsman-Hashim-Amla-raises-his-bat-GettyImages-461627146.jpg" alt="ODI hundred against all Test playing nations" width="594" height="395" sizes="(max-width: 594px) 100vw, 594px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-37906" class="wp-caption-text">Hashim Amla. (© ANESH DEBIKY/AFP/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Hashim Amla made his IPL debut last year and was quite impressive during his short stint at the tournament. He is a class act and is a treat to watch when onsong. Amla has not been in the best of the form in the recent times. However his experience at the top order is something that the team will be craving for.
In the 6 matches that he played last year, he mustered 157 runs. He had a top score of 96 and had nearly got past a majestic ton. This year, with the absence of Murali Vijay as the opener, Amla might have to take the bulk of the responsibility.
Wriddhiman Saha
<figure id="attachment_5263" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5263" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/06/33790.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-5263 size-large" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/33790-600x400.jpg" alt width="600" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5263" class="wp-caption-text">Wriddhiman Saha of the Kings X1 Punjab swings his bat for a great Shot (Photo: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Talented Indian wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha is most likely to be promoted up the order in the absence of injured Murali Vijay. Saha is not new to the opening role and has donned the hat of an opener before as well. He has an IPL century to his name, and that in the finals of the tournament back in 2014. In the recent times, he has been in a phenomenal form with the bat.
He has heavily scored runs for the national side batting with the lower order. Albeit these runs have come in the longer format of the game, the credit cannot be taken away from him. Also, Saha himself recently admitted that he is keen on translating the good form of Test cricket to the T20s in the IPL. Expect Saha to be the frontline and obvious choice for the wicket keeper role as well.
David Miller
<figure id="attachment_123880" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-123880" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/David-Miller-IPL-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-123880" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/David-Miller-IPL-1.jpg" alt="David Miller Kings XI Punjab IPL" width="600" height="410" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-123880" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
South African batsman David Miller was a revelation for the Kings XI Punjab when he was drafted in the side a few years ago. He is one the integral part of the setup for the team now. In the 61 matches that he has played in the IPL, he has scored 1480 runs at an average of 36.09 and strike rate of 144.39.
Compare these staggering numbers to his meek show in the IPL 2016. He had played 14 matches last season and could score only 161 cumulative runs. He had a top score of 31 and that certainly did not help their cause. His 2014 edition was the best for him when he scored with an average of 44.60. The KXIP management will now hope for Miller to have a repeat show of his 2014 heroics.
Glenn Maxwell
<figure id="attachment_67866" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-67866" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-67866" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg" alt="Glenn Maxwel" width="600" height="384" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-67866" class="wp-caption-text">Mohali: Kings XI Punjab batsman Glenn Maxwell in action during an IPL match between Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Daredevils at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on May 7, 2016. (Photo Source: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Glenn Maxwell is the newly appointed skipper of the Kings XI Punjab. He will have to take the leading role to ensure that the team does not falter yet again. Also, given the fact that he will be leading the side, one can expect the hard hitting batsman to show more application in the middle. Maxwell has had two very poor editions of the IPL and has not been able to replicate his heroics that he had come up with during the 2014 edition.
In the previous edition of the tournament, he had only 179 runs to his name in 11 matches and averaged beloew 20 with the bat. A season prior to that, he had played the same number of matches and had yielded an even lower outputs with only 145 runs. His average, too, was as low as 13.18 with the bat.
Manan Vohra
<figure id="attachment_5276" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-5276" style="width: 582px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2014/06/Manan-Vohra-e1402118063596.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-5276 size-large" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Manan-Vohra-e1402118063596-582x400.jpg" alt width="582" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 582px) 100vw, 582px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-5276" class="wp-caption-text">Manan Vohra. (Photo: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Manan Vohra has been one of the unsung players of the KXIP dugout. Time and again, the talented Indian batsman has shown that he is one of the players to watch out for. He is someone who can bat anywhere in the batting line up. The team can opt to play him as an opener, or even in the middle order. Vohra has had his fair share of impressive outings in the tournament till now.
However, a very big score is something that he is deprived of at the moment. He will have to ensure that he gets to that big score sometime soon this season as the opportunities always seem to be limited. Vohra is likely to be drafted in the playing eleven considering the fact that the Kings would want to beef up their batting department which lacks Indian contingent players. 
Eoin Morgan
<figure id="attachment_117485" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-117485" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2017/03/Eoin-Morgan-ENG.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-117485" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Eoin-Morgan-ENG.jpg" alt="Eoin Morgan" width="600" height="421" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-117485" class="wp-caption-text">England captain Eoin Morgan celebrates reaching his century. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Eoin Morgan is in line to make his IPL debut for the Kings this season. Over the years, the English skipper has been one of the most underused players in the tournament. He was with the Sunrisers Hyderabad las year and had got very little opportunities to play in the season.
This year the Kings XI Punjab need someone to step up and take the responsibility to help their dwindling fortunes. In such a case, someone like Morgan can add to the stability in the line up. Also, he brings an additional factor to the table. He can be very helpful for someone like Glenn Maxwell when it comes to captaincy.Axar Patel
<figure id="attachment_70139" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-70139" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Axar-Patel.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-70139" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Axar-Patel.jpg" alt="Axar Patel" width="600" height="429" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-70139" class="wp-caption-text">Axar Patel. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Axar Patel had a very disappointing season last year. Moreover, it was about embarrassment when he failed to defend 23 runs in the last over against the very same opposition in the league match. When he had broke out on the scene in the 2014 edition, he was awarded as the emerging player of the season.
The team will now want him to come up with a repeat performance of the same this season. Last year, Axar played 14 matches for the team and could only pick 13 wickets with the ball. His batting performance was even worse as he could muster only 111 runs in the season with an average just above 17.
KC Cariappa
<figure id="attachment_15423" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-15423" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/04/K-C-Cariappa.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-15423 size-large" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/K-C-Cariappa-600x358.jpg" alt="IPL" width="600" height="358" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-15423" class="wp-caption-text">IPL auction: Salary cap may be introduced for uncapped players. (Photo Source: Kolkata Knight Riders)</figcaption></figure>
KC Cariappa made the news when he was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL for a whopping amount in the auction a couple of seasons ago. He did not get his opportunities back then. However, when he was bought by the Kings XI, he got his chances to play. However, he largely failed in his attempt to impress.
He played 5 matches for the team and could pick up just 3 wickets. He had the best figures of 2/16 last season. He is a mystery spinner who is capable of bowling with great economy. This year, he might be tried in the first few matches as the camp is deprived of quality spinners. Mohit Sharma
<figure id="attachment_64467" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-64467" style="width: 695px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/04/Mohit-Sharma-vs-Mumbai-Indians-in-IPL9.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="wp-image-64467 size-full" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Mohit-Sharma-vs-Mumbai-Indians-in-IPL9.jpg" alt width="695" height="490" sizes="(max-width: 695px) 100vw, 695px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-64467" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Over the years, Mohit Sharma has evolved as a domestic veteran. However, he was taken to cleaners in the previous edition when he leaked runs at over 8 runs per over. His economy rate was 8.39 with the ball. He played 14 matches and took only 13 wickets.
He was being tipped as one of the best death overs bowlers from the Indian setup. But his bowling at the death was unimpressive. Considering the fact that he has been on the roster for quite some time now, he might go in as the spearhead of the attack. Sandeep Sharma
<figure id="attachment_70172" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-70172" style="width: 600px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2016/05/Sandeep-Sharma-1.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-70172" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Sandeep-Sharma-1.jpg" alt="Sandeep Sharma" width="600" height="411" sizes="(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-70172" class="wp-caption-text">Sandeep Sharma. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Sandeep Sharma was the most successful bowler for the Kings XI last season. He has been the leading pacer for them for the last couple of years. While the team has largely struggled in the tournament editions in the last two years, Sandeep has constantly been among the wickets.
His ability to bowl constant line and lengths is something that has helped him bowl well in the powerplays with the new ball. Also, he can swing the ball both ways and that is something that the Kings will want him to do. He is a certain starter for the first game of the season for the Kings against the Rising Pune Supergiant.Anureet Singh
<figure id="attachment_17917" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-17917" style="width: 669px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2015/05/Anureet-Singh-KXIP.jpg"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-17917" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Anureet-Singh-KXIP.jpg" alt="Anureet Singh KXIP" width="669" height="586" sizes="(max-width: 669px) 100vw, 669px"></a><figcaption id="caption-attachment-17917" class="wp-caption-text">Anureet Singh KXIP. (Photo Source: BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Albeit there are speculations that Ishant Sharma might make his debut for the Kings XI Punjab today, there is a very good possibility that the team might go with the tried and tested pacer in Anureet Singh. Bowling in tandem with Sandeep Singh, Anureet has been a top performer with the ball in the limited opportunities he has got.
He bowls pretty much similar to the way his team mate Sandeep Sharma bowls. He is slightly quicker than him and bowls tight lines. If the Kings look for discipline in the lineup, they must head on to Anureet. Anureet can bowl deceptive slower ones as well which is an added bowling quotient.

Kings XI Punjab have finished last in the previous two editions of the IPL.

IPL 10, Match 4, KXIP v RPS: Kings XI Punjab Predicted XI

Kings XI Punjab have had two embarrassing seasons of the the Indian Premier League in the last two years. Prior to that, they were the team to beat in the