KXIP Predicted Playing XI vs RR: Sportsrush presents before you KXIP’s Predicted Playing XI for their first match against RR.
Kings XI Punjab and Rajasthan Royals face each other at Jaipur in what promises to be an exciting encounter between the two evenly-matched sides. In 17 encounters, the home side has emerged victorious 10 times while Kings XI has won the remaining 7 games.
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The Kings XI Punjab finished seventh in the IPL table last season, showing their miserable form throughout last season. However, skipper Ravichandran Ashwin will be hoping that his side can find their feet and start the new campaign on winning ways.
The Sports Rush predicts the playing XI that the Kings XI Punjab might opt for in the clash against the Rajasthan Royals:
Chris Gayle:
The return to form of the big man known as Chris Gayle will be very important for the Kings XI, as the big West Indian had smashed the English bowlers all around in their bilateral series. With that said, Gayle will be the key for Punjab.
KL Rahul (wk):
The Indian wicket-keeper batsman has been in poor form for the international team. However, his performances for the Kings XI have been fantastic, as Rahul will be hoping to perform and reclaim his spot for India in the World Cup.
Mayank Agarwal:
Agarwal has been an IPL star in the past few seasons and had translated his success for the Kings XI Punjab too last season. With his good batting skills, Ashwin will be hoping that he holds the innings together and performs.
Karun Nair:
Karun Nair’s numbers at the top order have been fantastic, not only in the IPL but also out of it. The 27-year-old has incredible talent, and he will be looking to translate that talent into runs for Punjab.
Nicholas Pooran:
The upcoming West Indian sensation, Nicholas Pooran, has quickly made his name in the international arena. The left-handed middle-order batsman averages 50 at the number 5 position at a strike-rate of 171, making him a brilliant choice for the team.
Mandeep Singh
Mandeep Singh, who was swapped by Kings XI from Royal Challengers Bangalore, is most likely to bat at No. 6 for Punjab. In what is a homecoming for the 27-year old right-hand batsman, the team management would be hoping for him to make optimum use of his experience.
Ravichandran Ashwin (c):
The off-spinning all-rounder took over as captain of the Kings XI Punjab last season. However, finishing 7th, Ashwin will be hoping that he can contribute with his captaincy as much as he would like to with his economical bowling and good lower-order hitting.
Andrew Tye:
With 24 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 18.66, an economy rate of 8 and a strike rate of 14, Andrew Tye was the highest wicket-taker in IPL 2018. Expect the Australian pacer to lead KXIP’s attack this year.
Varun Chakravarthy:
Considering the amount of money which Kings XI has spent on Varun Chakravarthy, playing him alongside Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Ashwin as the third spinner becomes imperative for them. Bringing a plethora of varieties with him, Kings XI will be hoping for Chakravarthy to deliver for them.
Ankit Rajpoot:
Ankit Rajpoot is expected be the partner for Shami and Curran in the pace-attack, making it a rather impressive trio for the visitors.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman:
17-year-old Mujeeb Ur Rahman from Afghanistan was brilliant in his maiden season with the Kings XI Punjab last year. The spinner has been retained by the management, as he will be looking to bamboozle the batsmen once again this season.
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