Ravichandran Ashwin’s move from Kings XI Punjab to Delhi Capitals was one of the high-profile transfers of 2020 IPL Trading Window. The off-spinner was bought by Punjab for INR 7.6 crore at 2018 IPL auction and was made their skipper much to the surprise of everyone ahead of season eleven.

Under Ashwin’s leadership, Kings XI Punjab managed to finish seventh and sixth in 2018 and 2019 IPL seasons respectively. Having parted ways with Ashwin, the expectations were high among fans as to who will be at the helm for the thirteenth edition of IPL. The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/after-getting-racked-up-by-kxip-for-a-whopping-rs-8-5-cr-sheldon-cottrell-promises-a-lot-of-salutes-in-mohali/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mohali</a>-based franchise then officially announced the flamboyant Indian batsman KL Rahul as its new skipper ahead of 2020 IPL.

Rahul who was bought by the 2014 IPL runners-up for a whopping INR 11 crore ahead of season eleven started off his Kings XI Punjab stint with a bang amassing the fastest-ever fifty in IPL history having reached his half-century in just 14 balls against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) at Mohali. The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/test-cricket-will-always-remain-special-cheteshwar-pujara-after-his-ranji-heroics-against-karnataka/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Karnataka </a>batsman continued his domination at the top-of-the-order from thereon amassing 659 and 593 runs (2018 and 2019 editions) respectively and it will be no different this time as well despite being bestowed with the captaincy

On that note, let us look at three reasons why Kings XI Punjab will be formidable under KL Rahul’s leadership:

1. KL Rahul’s current form and versatility

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-390571" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2020/01/KL-Rahul-2.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-390571" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

KL Rahul is in the form of his life in limited-overs cricket and is going through the best phase of his career. The 27-year-old was dominant with the willow during India’s limited-overs series against West Indies, Sri Lanka and Australia scoring runs at ease.

The right-hander has certainly assured his spot for 2020 T20 World Cup to be held in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/india-vs-australia-3-players-who-might-be-axed-from-odis-after-the-series/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Australia </a>later this year with his recent performances and has become an indispensable member of India’s limited-overs set up.

The stylish right-hander is ready to bat any spot according to the team’s needs and contributes well despite coming in at different positions apart from emerging as the first-choice wicket-keeper for Team India in limited-overs with his smart glovework behind the stumps. Rahul&#8217;s current form, versatility combined with matured decisions and shot selections might augur well for him to guide Kings XI Punjab forward.

2. A much-strengthened and balanced squad

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-337016" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2019/04/Kings-XI-Punjab-3.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-337016" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

With the dangerous Nicolas Pooran already in their ranks, Kings XI Punjab have further strengthened their middle-order by acquiring the services of Glenn Maxwell and James Neesham apart from the hard-hitting Indian all-rounders Krishnappa Gowtham and Deepak Hooda. With <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/australia-pacer-andrew-tye-ruled-out-for-up-to-four-months-to-undergo-elbow-surgery/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Andrew Tye</a> and Hardus Viljoen not living up to the expectations last season, Punjab needed proven overseas pacers to bolster their attack.

Punjab bought two quality overseas pacers in Sheldon Cottrell and Chris Jordan with Kiwi all-rounder Neesham capable of chipping in useful right-arm medium-fast spells. Having addressed their key issues at the auction, the squad which comprises of established Indian players like Mohammed Shami, Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair looks promising ahead of 2020 IPL.

With a perfect combination of several young Indian talents (Sarfaraz Khan, Darshan Nalkande, Ravi Bishnoi, Ishan Porel and Prabhsimran Singh) and immensely experienced stars like Chris Gayle, Chris Jordan and Glenn Maxwell the squad looks balanced across all departments.

3. Perfect changes at the right time

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-330902" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2019/04/Ravi-Ashwin.jpg" alt="Ravi Ashwin" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-330902" class="wp-caption-text">Ravi Ashwin. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption>

With nothing going their way in the past five seasons, Punjab needed major changes in the squad as well the support staff team to establish a connect that could serve them in forming a formidable squad for many more seasons. It was important for them to appoint an Indian player as a captain who could serve them for long instead of buying a new player at the auction and handing over the captaincy.

Kings XI Punjab did just that by appointing KL Rahul as their skipper and with the squad comprising several Karnataka players the move assumes greater significance as the new skipper will get the backing of his fellow Karnataka players.

Most importantly, with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/honoured-to-have-been-mentioned-by-pm-narendra-modi-anil-kumble/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anil Kumble</a> being roped in ahead of this season, the connect between players, captain and the head coach might help them in forming a strong unit. The support staff team itself looks incredible with Wasim Jaffar as batting coach, Jonty Rhodes as fielding coach and the legendary Courtney Walsh as the talent scout.

Rahul who has been in the Kings XI Punjab set-up for two seasons now has been given the captaincy at the right time and given his current (positive) frame of mind, the 27-year-old might well go onto become the face of Kings XI Punjab franchise if he could make it big as a captain!

Ravichandran Ashwin’s move from Kings XI Punjab to Delhi Capitals was one of the high-profile transfers of 2020 IPL Trading Window. The off-spinner was bought by Punjab for INR 7.6 crore at 2018 IPL auction and was made their skipper much to the surprise of everyone ahead of season eleven.
Under Ashwin’s leadership, Kings XI Punjab managed to finish seventh and sixth in 2018 and 2019 IPL seasons respectively. Having parted ways with Ashwin, the expectations were high among fans as to who will be at the helm for the thirteenth edition of IPL. The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/after-getting-racked-up-by-kxip-for-a-whopping-rs-8-5-cr-sheldon-cottrell-promises-a-lot-of-salutes-in-mohali/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mohali</a>-based franchise then officially announced the flamboyant Indian batsman KL Rahul as its new skipper ahead of 2020 IPL.
Rahul who was bought by the 2014 IPL runners-up for a whopping INR 11 crore ahead of season eleven started off his Kings XI Punjab stint with a bang amassing the fastest-ever fifty in IPL history having reached his half-century in just 14 balls against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) at Mohali. The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/test-cricket-will-always-remain-special-cheteshwar-pujara-after-his-ranji-heroics-against-karnataka/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Karnataka </a>batsman continued his domination at the top-of-the-order from thereon amassing 659 and 593 runs (2018 and 2019 editions) respectively and it will be no different this time as well despite being bestowed with the captaincy
On that note, let us look at three reasons why Kings XI Punjab will be formidable under KL Rahul’s leadership:
<h3>1. KL Rahul’s current form and versatility</h3>
<figure id="attachment_390571" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-390571" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-390571" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2020/01/KL-Rahul-2.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-390571" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
KL Rahul is in the form of his life in limited-overs cricket and is going through the best phase of his career. The 27-year-old was dominant with the willow during India’s limited-overs series against West Indies, Sri Lanka and Australia scoring runs at ease.
The right-hander has certainly assured his spot for 2020 T20 World Cup to be held in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/india-vs-australia-3-players-who-might-be-axed-from-odis-after-the-series/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Australia </a>later this year with his recent performances and has become an indispensable member of India’s limited-overs set up.
The stylish right-hander is ready to bat any spot according to the team’s needs and contributes well despite coming in at different positions apart from emerging as the first-choice wicket-keeper for Team India in limited-overs with his smart glovework behind the stumps. Rahul’s current form, versatility combined with matured decisions and shot selections might augur well for him to guide Kings XI Punjab forward.

<h3>2. A much-strengthened and balanced squad</h3>
<figure id="attachment_337016" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-337016" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-337016" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2019/04/Kings-XI-Punjab-3.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-337016" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
With the dangerous Nicolas Pooran already in their ranks, Kings XI Punjab have further strengthened their middle-order by acquiring the services of Glenn Maxwell and James Neesham apart from the hard-hitting Indian all-rounders Krishnappa Gowtham and Deepak Hooda. With <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/australia-pacer-andrew-tye-ruled-out-for-up-to-four-months-to-undergo-elbow-surgery/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Andrew Tye</a> and Hardus Viljoen not living up to the expectations last season, Punjab needed proven overseas pacers to bolster their attack.
Punjab bought two quality overseas pacers in Sheldon Cottrell and Chris Jordan with Kiwi all-rounder Neesham capable of chipping in useful right-arm medium-fast spells. Having addressed their key issues at the auction, the squad which comprises of established Indian players like Mohammed Shami, Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair looks promising ahead of 2020 IPL.
With a perfect combination of several young Indian talents (Sarfaraz Khan, Darshan Nalkande, Ravi Bishnoi, Ishan Porel and Prabhsimran Singh) and immensely experienced stars like Chris Gayle, Chris Jordan and Glenn Maxwell the squad looks balanced across all departments.

<h3>3. Perfect changes at the right time</h3>
<figure id="attachment_330902" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-330902" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-330902" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2019/04/Ravi-Ashwin.jpg" alt="Ravi Ashwin" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-330902" class="wp-caption-text">Ravi Ashwin. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
With nothing going their way in the past five seasons, Punjab needed major changes in the squad as well the support staff team to establish a connect that could serve them in forming a formidable squad for many more seasons. It was important for them to appoint an Indian player as a captain who could serve them for long instead of buying a new player at the auction and handing over the captaincy.
Kings XI Punjab did just that by appointing KL Rahul as their skipper and with the squad comprising several Karnataka players the move assumes greater significance as the new skipper will get the backing of his fellow Karnataka players.
Most importantly, with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/honoured-to-have-been-mentioned-by-pm-narendra-modi-anil-kumble/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anil Kumble</a> being roped in ahead of this season, the connect between players, captain and the head coach might help them in forming a strong unit. The support staff team itself looks incredible with Wasim Jaffar as batting coach, Jonty Rhodes as fielding coach and the legendary Courtney Walsh as the talent scout.
Rahul who has been in the Kings XI Punjab set-up for two seasons now has been given the captaincy at the right time and given his current (positive) frame of mind, the 27-year-old might well go onto become the face of Kings XI Punjab franchise if he could make it big as a captain!

Ravichandran Ashwin’s move from Kings XI Punjab to Delhi Capitals was one of the high-profile transfers of 2020 IPL Trading Window. The off-spinner was bought by Punjab for INR 7.6 crore at 2018 IPL auction and was made their skipper much to the surprise of everyone ahead of season eleven.
Under Ashwin’s leadership, Kings XI Punjab managed to finish seventh and sixth in 2018 and 2019 IPL seasons respectively. Having parted ways with Ashwin, the expectations were high among fans as to who will be at the helm for the thirteenth edition of IPL. The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/after-getting-racked-up-by-kxip-for-a-whopping-rs-8-5-cr-sheldon-cottrell-promises-a-lot-of-salutes-in-mohali/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mohali</a>-based franchise then officially announced the flamboyant Indian batsman KL Rahul as its new skipper ahead of 2020 IPL.
Rahul who was bought by the 2014 IPL runners-up for a whopping INR 11 crore ahead of season eleven started off his Kings XI Punjab stint with a bang amassing the fastest-ever fifty in IPL history having reached his half-century in just 14 balls against Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) at Mohali. The <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/test-cricket-will-always-remain-special-cheteshwar-pujara-after-his-ranji-heroics-against-karnataka/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Karnataka </a>batsman continued his domination at the top-of-the-order from thereon amassing 659 and 593 runs (2018 and 2019 editions) respectively and it will be no different this time as well despite being bestowed with the captaincy
On that note, let us look at three reasons why Kings XI Punjab will be formidable under KL Rahul’s leadership:
<h3>1. KL Rahul’s current form and versatility</h3>
<figure id="attachment_390571" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-390571" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-390571" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2020/01/KL-Rahul-2.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-390571" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
KL Rahul is in the form of his life in limited-overs cricket and is going through the best phase of his career. The 27-year-old was dominant with the willow during India’s limited-overs series against West Indies, Sri Lanka and Australia scoring runs at ease.
The right-hander has certainly assured his spot for 2020 T20 World Cup to be held in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/india-vs-australia-3-players-who-might-be-axed-from-odis-after-the-series/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Australia </a>later this year with his recent performances and has become an indispensable member of India’s limited-overs set up.
The stylish right-hander is ready to bat any spot according to the team’s needs and contributes well despite coming in at different positions apart from emerging as the first-choice wicket-keeper for Team India in limited-overs with his smart glovework behind the stumps. Rahul&#8217;s current form, versatility combined with matured decisions and shot selections might augur well for him to guide Kings XI Punjab forward.

<h3>2. A much-strengthened and balanced squad</h3>
<figure id="attachment_337016" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-337016" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-337016" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2019/04/Kings-XI-Punjab-3.jpg" alt="Kings XI Punjab" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-337016" class="wp-caption-text">Kings XI Punjab. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
With the dangerous Nicolas Pooran already in their ranks, Kings XI Punjab have further strengthened their middle-order by acquiring the services of Glenn Maxwell and James Neesham apart from the hard-hitting Indian all-rounders Krishnappa Gowtham and Deepak Hooda. With <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/australia-pacer-andrew-tye-ruled-out-for-up-to-four-months-to-undergo-elbow-surgery/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Andrew Tye</a> and Hardus Viljoen not living up to the expectations last season, Punjab needed proven overseas pacers to bolster their attack.
Punjab bought two quality overseas pacers in Sheldon Cottrell and Chris Jordan with Kiwi all-rounder Neesham capable of chipping in useful right-arm medium-fast spells. Having addressed their key issues at the auction, the squad which comprises of established Indian players like Mohammed Shami, Mayank Agarwal and Karun Nair looks promising ahead of 2020 IPL.
With a perfect combination of several young Indian talents (Sarfaraz Khan, Darshan Nalkande, Ravi Bishnoi, Ishan Porel and Prabhsimran Singh) and immensely experienced stars like Chris Gayle, Chris Jordan and Glenn Maxwell the squad looks balanced across all departments.

<h3>3. Perfect changes at the right time</h3>
<figure id="attachment_330902" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-330902" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-330902" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/2019/04/Ravi-Ashwin.jpg" alt="Ravi Ashwin" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-330902" class="wp-caption-text">Ravi Ashwin. (Photo: Surjeet Yadav/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
With nothing going their way in the past five seasons, Punjab needed major changes in the squad as well the support staff team to establish a connect that could serve them in forming a formidable squad for many more seasons. It was important for them to appoint an Indian player as a captain who could serve them for long instead of buying a new player at the auction and handing over the captaincy.
Kings XI Punjab did just that by appointing KL Rahul as their skipper and with the squad comprising several Karnataka players the move assumes greater significance as the new skipper will get the backing of his fellow Karnataka players.
Most importantly, with <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/honoured-to-have-been-mentioned-by-pm-narendra-modi-anil-kumble/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Anil Kumble</a> being roped in ahead of this season, the connect between players, captain and the head coach might help them in forming a strong unit. The support staff team itself looks incredible with Wasim Jaffar as batting coach, Jonty Rhodes as fielding coach and the legendary Courtney Walsh as the talent scout.
Rahul who has been in the Kings XI Punjab set-up for two seasons now has been given the captaincy at the right time and given his current (positive) frame of mind, the 27-year-old might well go onto become the face of Kings XI Punjab franchise if he could make it big as a captain!

Under Ashwin’s leadership, Kings XI Punjab managed to finish seventh and sixth in 2018 and 2019 IPL seasons respectively.

IPL 2020: 3 reasons why Kings XI Punjab will be exceptional under KL Rahul's captaincy

Under Ravichandran Ashwin’s leadership, Kings XI Punjab managed to finish seventh and sixth in 2018 and 2019 IPL seasons respectively.