The Kings XI Punjab had done an excellent job when the Indian Premier League (IPL) took place in the United Arab Emirates the last time. However, they could not replicate the same performance in IPL 2020. After many ups and downs, KXIP’s journey ended in the league stage itself after they lost to the Chennai Super Kings.
The Mohali-based franchise could win only one of their first seven IPL matches in this season. The arrival of Chris Gayle changed the season for KXIP as they built a five-match winning streak. Unfortunately, they could not continue that winning momentum as they crashed out of the tournament after suffering two defeats. There were many positives for KXIP this season, but a few players could not live up to the hype as well.
Here’s a look at the five players that the Kings XI might release before IPL 2021 Auction.
1.Krishnappa Gowtham
Uncapped Indian all-rounder Krishnappa Gowtham was signed by the Kings XI Punjab in the trade window of IPL 2020. Gowtham had been impressive for the Rajasthan Royals in 2018, but his performance in 2019 was not so great.
The all-rounder did a fair job with the bat in IPL 2020. However, Punjab needed him the most in the bowling attack. In the two games that he played, Gowtham could only pick one wicket. His economy rate was 10.50 this year. As KXIP bought him for 6.2 Crores, they might release him.
2.Karun Nair
The biggest letdown for the Kings XI Punjab fans this year was the performance of Karun Nair. The former Delhi Daredevils captain had performed well in the previous IPL seasons. However, he failed to get going this season.
Nair played four matches for KXIP in the 13th edition of the IPL. He ended the season with only 16 runs to his name at a strike rate of 114.28. The former Rajasthan Royals player may return to the auction pool soon. .
3.Glenn Maxwell
The Kings XI Punjab fans had high hopes from Glenn Maxwell when the IPL 2014 Runner-up signed him for 10.75 Crore in the auction. Heading into the IPL 2020 season, Maxwell had scored a phenomenal century versus the England team.
However, the Aussie looked like a shadow of his former self this year. Despite receiving so many opportunities to prove himself, Maxwell ended his season without hitting a single six.
4.Sarfaraz Khan
Another Indian batsman who was expected to support the trio of KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, and Chris Gayle – Sarfaraz Khan may lose his spot next year. The KXIP star aggregated mere 33 runs in five matches.
The right-handed batsman hit only five fours and no sixes this year. With Deepak Hooda performing well in the last few games, Khan would likely be released by the Mohali-based IPL franchise.
5.Jimmy Neesham
When KXIP signed Jimmy Neesham for a price of 50 lakhs INR, many believed that it was the steal of the season. However, Neesham let the fans down with a below-par performance in IPL 2020.
The Kiwi all-rounder could have solved many problems for his team. Unfortunately, he could score only 19 runs and scalp two wickets in five matches. His economy rate of 9.86 put pressure on the other bowlers.
