IPL 2018: KXIP v CSK, Match 12 - Kings XI Punjab Predicted XI

Despite getting off to a flying start with the bat, the Kings XI Punjab failed to accumulate the required amount of runs and eventually, they bowed down to the Royal Challengers Bangalore. It was disappointing for their fans to see their side go down after coming so close, but their bowling effort was quite brilliant.

Up next lies a huge challenge for Punjab as they face the other Kings from down south, the Chennai Super Kings. Chennai managed to squeeze a win in their first two games and was a part of two final over thrillers. To get the better of this Chennai side, it’ll take a lot of hard work but they do have some fine talents who can churn good results.

Aaron Finch came in for David Miller in the middle order for the Punjab contingent last game. This time around, they might go in with the same team as well. Here’s Kings XI Punjab’s predicted XI for the battle of the Kings up in Mohali.

Openers – KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal

KL Rahul once again got a great start but failed to capitalize on it. He’s looking imperious with his striking and the way he hit a six over covers and flicked one into the stands at square leg in the very first over was a testament to his ability. He is going to be a very crucial member for their success this tournament.

Mayank Agarwal has played a few beautiful shots in his short little stays in the first two games. But he has to stay there for long periods and knock hard on the doors of the Indian selectors. His domestic form has been outstanding and a good performance here can work wonders for him.

Middle Order – Aaron Finch, Yuvraj Singh, Karun Nair

Aaron Finch got out off the first ball he faced on Friday but this lad is quite a brilliant striker of the ball. He is versatile enough to adapt to different batting positions and can be a useful asset for the side. Yuvraj Singh is struggling to find his feet as yet, but he will be given a few more chances.

Another Karnataka man who has had a fantastic domestic season was Karun Nair, who registered a fifty in the first game. Only the second Indian to have scored a Triple century in Tests, Nair’s ability is something no one can doubt. But number 5 might be too low a position for his style of playing.

All-rounders – Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin (C)

Ravichandran Ashwin was brilliant with the bat at the Chinnaswamy and he certainly qualifies as an all-rounder in the side. The skipper was taken for a few runs with the ball initially, but he came back strongly. The pressure is right back on him as he prepares to face off against his former colleagues.

Marcus Stoinis is yet to showcase his best talent this season. He bowled just one over in the last two games and if he’s only in the side as a finisher, then David Miller probably is a better option. Nevertheless, he will get a game and so will the left-arm spinner Axar Patel, who was pretty decent against RCB.

Bowlers – Andrew Tye, Mohit Sharma, Mujeeb Zadran

Andrew Tye has been slightly expensive with the ball in both the games. A fact that the Kings XI Punjab paid him a lot of money means that they are expecting him to do well in the early overs and the death. It’ll be interesting to see how he will fare.

Mohit Sharma was excellent in the death overs against Delhi Daredevils. He should adjust his channels slightly in the first few overs to ensure his bowling figures don’t appear too bad. Mujeeb Zadran got the big fish Virat Kohli with a peach in the last game and that should give a lot of confidence and a place in the XI for another few games.

Here’s KXIP Predicted XI for the game against CSK