KXIP want to buy Tamim Iqbal in the IPL auction

Kings XI Punjab have always been one of the most loved franchises in IPL history.

Having a very popular Bollywood actress as your team owner also helps, as Preity Zinta’s endearing nature has given her team a lot of good will over the last ten years.

But it’s the performance on the pitch that matters, and that is where KXIP have struggled in the IPL. A couple of semi-finals and one final appearance is just not good enough for a team that boasted the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Brett Lee, Kumar Sangakara, Glenn Maxwell, Virender Sehwag and David Miller over the years.

ALSO READ : Mumbai cannot use RTM on Harbhajan Singh!

Previously a player and now the head coach of the team, Virender Sehwag is in a buoyant mood ahead of the new season, as the coach revealed that KXIP will try and keep some of their core group of players.

Eventually Punjab just retained Axar Patel, as they plan on building their side around the talented all-rounder.

KXIP will now turn their attentions to the mega auction, as they have their eyes set of Tamim Iqbal from Bangladesh. Playing across different leagues like the Natwest T20 Blast, Bangladesh Premier League and the Pakistan Super League, the 28-year-old has slammed 433 runs in 16 innings.

According to reports, a total of eight Bangladeshi players will be part of the IPL auction. The list includes the likes of Tamim Iqbal, Shakib Al Hasan, Mustafizur Rahman, Sabbir Rahman, Mahmudullah Riyad, Abul Hasan Raju, Liton Kumar Das, etc.

Two time IPL champion, Shakib Al Hasan is also expected to get a huge contract after his excellent performances for KKR.

Mustafizur Rahman is also expected to fetch a huge amount, although he may be retained by the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL auction.

Let’s hope that KXIP build a strong squad, and finally lift the IPL title.