IPL 2017: Guide to Kings XI Punjab’s (KXIP) dark horses for IPL 10
IPL 2017: Guide to Kings XI Punjab’s (KXIP) dark horses for IPL 10
With a number of overseas players and handful of captains, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) is all set to entertain the T20 fans in the 10th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) 10. KXIP looked out of sorts in the previous season, struggling to find an ideal leader till the middle of IPL 9. They will start the 2017 edition with home match at Indore’s Holkar Stadium, with Glenn Maxwell at the helm. While Maxwell, Wriddhiman Saha, Shaun Marsh are the names who have at KXIP’s disposal for a long time, here are some players who can emerge as surprise packages. Kings XI Punjab in IPL 2017, Preview: Glenn Maxwell’s side looks ready for the ‘Big Show’
T Natarajan (India, uncapped)
Contract worth: INR 1,000,000
One of the most attractive bowlers of Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), Natarajan was drafted in based on his domestic performances. He was one of the best death-over bowler. KXIP’s home ground being in Mohali, the pacer will find assistance from the pitch. Holkar Stadium will also be favourable for him as that, too, has traditionally been a track with extra bounce on offer.
IPL history: Debut
Nikhil Naik (India, uncapped)
Contract worth: INR 3,000,000
With many overseas batsmen in the side and the limitation of using four of them, KXIP may find it hard to complete their batting line-up. That is when KXIP can have the services of Nikhil Naik, the Maharashtra wicketkeeper-batsman. With an average of over 40 in List A matches, Naik has impressed with his form in domestic cricket and will be interesting to watch out for.
IPL history: Picked by KXIP in 2015
Runs: 23 | Matches: 2 | Ave: 11.50 | SR 74.19
Sandeep Sharma (India)
Contract worth: INR 8,500,000
One of KXIP’s consistent performers, Sandeep Sharma has a reputation of maintaining good line and length. After a successful domestic season lately, Sandeep will be effective in Mohali as well as Indore with his pace and disciplined bowling, and will be one of KXIP’s leading pacers for IPL 10.
IPL history: Picked by KXIP in 2013
Wickets: 54 | Matches: 43 | Ave: 22.01 | Econ: 7.61 | 4W: 1 |
Squad: Eoin Morgan, Rahul Tewatia,T Nataraja, Matt Henry, Varun Aaron, Martin Guptill, Darren Sammy, Rinku Singh, David Miller, Manan Vohra, Axar Patel, Glenn Maxwell, Gurkeerat Singh, Anureet Singh, Sandeep Sharma, Shardul Thakur, Shaun Marsh, Wriddhiman Saha, M Vijay, Nikhil Naik, Mohit Sharma, Marcus Stoinis, KC Cariappa, Armaan Jaffer, Pardeep Sahu, Swapnil Singh, Hashim Amla.