IPL 9 Match 3 Preview: Kings XI Punjab eyeing fresh start

Mohali will stage the first match for the Gujarat Lions as they take on the Kings XI Punjab in what will be the opening fixture for both sides. While all eyes will be on the Gujarat Lions, the Kings XI Punjab will be eyeing a fresh start under the stewardship of South African batsman David Miller. Although it is not exactly a new look to the Kings XI Punjab batting unit, a feisty encounter is most definitely on the cards.

Team News

Kings XI Punjab:

Despite having a relatively bad season last time around, the Kings XI Punjab haven’t made many additions to their squad. Having opted to go in with a similar looking lineup, a few new additions will be expected to feature on the side. The absence of former Aussie skipper George Bailey means that there will be an added responsibility on the shoulders of fellow countryman Glenn Maxwell. Apart from his off spinners, Maxwell has had contrasting fortunes in the IPL. Last season, the explosive batsman was only able to muster 145 runs in the 11 matches he played in at an average of 13.11.

Shaun Marsh, seemingly the ‘old guard’ of sorts for the Kings XI will be expected to make a comeback into the side. Mohit Sharma and KC Cariappa could be the new signings to make it into the side. They will be expected to assist Mitchell Johnson in the bowling department.

Gujarat Lions:

A new franchise, but the same old IPL players. The Lions on paper seem to have the upper hand over the Kings XI Punjab. In addition, they have a selection headache, a headache of the good type. The plethora of talent within the ranks may well see the likes of Aaron Finch, Dwayne Smith and perhaps even James Faulkner miss out the chance of playing the opening game for the Gujarat Lions.

All eyes will be on two major game changers in the Lions’ side. Dwayne Bravo and skipper Suresh Raina. While the Lions will be hoping that Raina once again rediscovers the form he once possessed, a lot will be riding on Dwayne Bravo. While the 32-year old certainly knows how to dance his way into the hearts of one and all, he will be crucial with the ball. It will come down to how Suresh Raina uses him in the death overs.

Playing XI (Probable):

Kings XI Punjab:

Murali Vijay, Shaun Marsh, Wriddhiman Saha (WK), David Miller (C), Glenn Maxwell, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Mitchell Johnson, Mohit Sharma, Sandeep Sharma, Axar Patel, Anureet Singh

Gujarat Lions:

Brendon McCullum, Aaron Finch, Dinesh Karthik (WK), Suresh Raina (C), Ishan Kishan, Dwayne Bravo, Ravindra Jadeja,  James Faulkner, Praveen Kumar, Pravin Tambe, Dhawal Kulkarni

Pitch Conditions:

During the World T20, the Mohali wicket assisted the batsmen, giving little or no help to the bowlers. The grass on the wicket means that there will be absolutely no assistance for the spinners. The ball is expected to come onto the bat nicely. However, hitting the boundaries will be slightly difficult given the size of the ground.

Stats:

1. Shaun Marsh is the only player in the Kings XI ranks to have been a part of the franchise since the inception of the IPL in 2008.

2. The Kings XI Punjab have a near 50% record in the IPL, winning 61 of their 125 matches.

3. Ishan Kishan will become the third-youngest player to feature in the IPL should he get a chance against the Kings XI Punjab. The previous players were Sarfaraz Khan and Sanju Samson.