- Advertisement -

Predicting the full list of players Kings XI Punjab might retain and release before IPL 2021 Auction

2534
KL Rahul and Glenn Maxwell
Photo Source: Twitter

The Kings XI Punjab have always looked strong on paper. However, the franchise has not been able to form a match-winning combination. In IPL 2020, the Mohali-based franchise was struck at the last position on the points table after the first half. It seemed like the Kings XI Punjab would not make it to the playoffs, but then, the team turned things around after Chris Gayle’s arrival.

- Advertisement -

All of a sudden, the fans felt the Mohali-based franchise would sneak into the Top 4. However, they lost their last two league matches against the lower-ranked Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings to crash out of IPL 2020. Nevertheless, the Kings XI Punjab got the tag of the most exciting franchise of 2020. They delivered some epic matches in the season.

KL Rahul led the team from the front, winning his first Orange Cap. Mayank Agarwal proved to be an excellent opening partner, while Chris Gayle was the reason their season did not end like a disaster. Mandeep Singh and Deepak Hooda were decent in the seven matches they played. Karun Nair and Sarfaraz Khan have played multiple IPL seasons. However, they were not so impressive in IPL 2020. KXIP might likely release them before the next season.

- Advertisement -
Mayank Agarwal KXIP
Photo: Mayank Agarwal/Instagram

Similarly, Glenn Maxwell could live up to his price tag. Virender Sehwag recently stated that the Australian all-rounder does not take the IPL so seriously. Hence, even if KXIP want him in IPL 2021, they might release him and repurchase at a lower price. New Zealand’s Jimmy Neesham could not make much impact in either departments.

- Advertisement -

Left-arm pacer Sheldon Cottrell might continue playing for KXIP because he took six wickets in six matches. Also, he is quite popular for his celebration and has much T20 experience. Mujeeb Ur Rahman might return to the auction pool after an extended association with the Kings XI Punjab. Mujeeb has been doing great in other T20 leagues, but his IPL performance has not been noteworthy.

Uncapped players Ishan Porel, Tajinder Singh, Darshan Nalkande, and Jagadeesha Suchith did not get a game in IPL 2020. Thus, it would be harsh to release them. Even Prabh Simran Singh is a growing talent. KXIP might not want to release because he has the talent to make it big.

Punjab signed Krishnappa Gowtham for an expensive amount in the trade window. His Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy performance will likely decide his IPL future because he played only two games in IPL 2020. Murugan Ashwin and Ravi Bishnoi were great and could improve under Anil Kumble’s guidance.

- Advertisement -

Foreign players Nicholas Pooran, Hardus Viljoen, and Chris Jordan might stay at KXIP for the 2021 season. The two foreign pacers will have the onus of supporting Mohammed Shami and Arshdeep Singh in the pace attack.

Players KXIP might retain: KL Rahul, Harpreet Brar, Ishan Porel, Mandeep Singh, Tajinder Singh, Chris Jordan, Deepak Hooda, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Sheldon Cottrell, Mayank Agarwal, Mohammed Shami, Darshan Nalkande, Nicholas Pooran, Chris Gayle, Murugan Ashwin, Jagadeesha Suchith, Krishnappa Gowtham, Hardus Viljoen, Prabh Simran Singh.

Players KXIP might release: Sarfaraz Khan, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Glenn Maxwell, Karun Nair, Jimmy Neesham.