IPL Retention: KXIP retain only one player for 2018 season

It was quite an exciting day for the cricket fans across the globe. The much awaited names of the players retained by the 8 franchises for IPL 2018 were announced. While most sides like the Mumbai Indians were certain about the players they had to retain, there were other teams that were found wanting with not many options. Among these sides was Kings XI Punjab. KXIP had a tough time to get their act right in the player retention.

Over the last three editions, the KXIP has largely struggled with their decision making. They were the finalists of the IPL 2014 edition but could not replicate their heroics thereafter. When the retentions took place last time around, they had managed to keep David Miller and Manan Vohra on their side. Also, they named Miller as their skipper.

Well, neither did Miller excel on the personal front nor could he take his team anywhere in the championship. Hence, the 2018 player retention came as no surprise with KXIP not opting to use their power of retaining three players. They decided to retain only one player. KXIP retained the services of Indian all-rounder Axar Patel.

They gave away INR 12.5 crore to retain his services. Axar will receive INR 6.75 crore as his tournament fees. Axar has been in and out of the Indian team in the recent times. However, the Gujarat lad has managed to keep his fitness levels up and running to be in the reckoning for the national side as well.

Purse left and the ones ignored

The name of David Miller stands out among the ones ignored by the franchise. Also, the franchise did not consider retaining the services of Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell. Maxwell was one of the key players for KXIP during their successful run in the 2014 edition of the IPL. In the recent times, he has faced snub from the national side as well.

Kings XI Punjab have INR 67.5 crore left in their purse for the auctions. Also, they can use 3 Right to Match cards at the auctions now out of the three permissible ones.

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