IPL 2017: Kings XI Punjab’s (KXIP) marks out of 10

IPL 2017: Kings XI Punjab's (KXIP) marks out of 10

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), who have perennially finished around the bottom in Indian Premier League (IPL) since the inception of the tournament, ended their 10th year in the event placed at No.5 in the points table. Mind you, they had finished at the bottom in the 2015 and 2016 editions of IPL. This year KXIP announced a new captain in Glenn Maxwellafter Murali Vijay was ruled out due to an injury. KXIP did start slow this season as well, but managed to get a kick on in the business end of the tournament. They ended up having a long shot at a qualification spot for the playoffs, and stood with a chance going into the last match. With the season all done-and-dusted it is now time for us scribes to mark every team player out of 10.

Hashim Amla: 8/10

Amla was retained by KXIP for this season,and turned out be their knight in shining armour. He notched up 2 IPL hundreds to end up as their highest run scorer. His absence in a crucial near-quarter-final tie against Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) was felt dearly. (Runs 420)

Glenn Maxwell: 6.5/10

Maxwell’s credentials as a captain were never tested across treacherous waters, but KXIP announced him leader nevertheless. His runswere quite sporadic to say the least, but he stillwentpast 40 four times. His bowling was handy in parts without being spectacular.

Of course,as captain he was inspiring in the field with his placements and empowering its player of responsibility. (Runs 310; Wickets 7)

Shaun Marsh: 5/10

Attached with KXIP since its inaugural days, Marsh again showcased why he is one of their pillars in batting. Much like Maxwell, Marsh was inconsistent across the 9 matches he played. His ability to anchor the innings was impressive, but his slowbatting was not. (Runs 264)

Eoin Morgan: 2/10

England’s ODI and T20I captain Morgan came into the IPL without much form. He played4 matches with little confidence and gave out a nervous aura. (Runs 65)

Martin Guptill: 6/10

Out with an injury for the initial games, Guptill came in the IPL with an outstanding international form. Guptill who sparkled in the match against Mumbai Indian did suffer a slump going ahead. He gets an extra point for that one-handed catch against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede.(Runs 132)

David Miller: 1/10

Miller, designated skipper of KXIP in 2015, spent most of his time warming benches in IPL 10. His lack of form has been detrimental to the side’s fortunes in this edition. (Runs 85)

Marcus Stoinis: 1/10

Stoinishad come into the limelight after IPL 9. Unfortunately, he was injured quite early into the tournament, and he sadly seemed a pale showdown of his talent in the matches he played. (Runs 15; Wickets 2)

Matt Henry: 0/10

KXIP’s second New Zealand recruit played just 2 matches this season. Henry, known for pace and bounce, found it difficult to get accustomed to Indian pitches and got toyed with in both matches he played. (Wickets 1)

Manan Vohra: 5/10

KXIP’s best Indian batsmen this season, Vohra has time and again showcased why he can a force to reckon with. Vohra’s resilient 95 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) was easily the one of the best innings this season.(Runs 229)

Akshar Patel: 7.5/10

Another player who rose to the occasion was Akshar. His outing with bat was hearting to witness. As for bowling,hewas economical but lacked that sharpness while picking wickets. (Runs 227; Wickets 15)

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Wriddhiman Saha: 7/10

Despite his erratic form,Sahabatted with calmness in most outings. He was used as a floater throughout the season, which made his task even more difficult. Saha’s best knock came against Mumbai Indians (MI), were he smacked a 55-ball 93. He gets an extra point for his brilliant catch against RCB. (Runs 234)

Sandeep Sharma: 7/10

KXIP’s mainstay in bowling since the past few seasons, Sandeep once again flourished in IPL 10. Starting as an out-and-out swing bowler, Sandeep deceived batsmen with his change of pace and variation across the 13 games he played. Healso bowled with guile in the death overs despite being part of a paper-thin bowling unit. (Wickets 17)

Ishant Sharma: 1/10

Ishant was unsold in the auction. He was picked up by KXIP as a replacement player. He featured in 6 matches failed to pick up a wicket despite bowling a tad above 100 delivers.

Mohit Sharma: 6/10

The third Sharma in the side, Mohit already had a taste of IPL superstardom with CSK, for whom he had displayed great acumen. One of the most experienced players in KXIP, he guided the likes of Sandeep andNatarajan. His final over against MI was one of the highlights of the season for them. (Wickets 13)

Rahul Tewatia: 4/10

Featuring in just 3 matches for KXIP, Tewatia’sclaim to fame came in the match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) where he picked up 2 wickets. In the same match he showcased his batting skills. (Runs 13; Wickets 3)

Swapnil Singh: 1/10

Swapnil,a renowned lower-order batsman for his Baroda, failed to impress with bat.He played just 5 matches this season. (Runs 12; Wickets 1)

Varun Aaron: 2/10

Known for his pace across, Aaron continued to leak run at a greater pace than his bowling. Aaron’s inability to stifle batsmen enabled his opponents to milk him for runs, especially in the death overs. (Wickets 7; Runs 4)

KC Cariappa: 1/10

Picked up by the KXIP in 2016 edition after his great show in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), Cariappa played just 4 matches this season. However, his unorthodox action made very little impression on the opposition. (Wickets 4; Runs 2)

T Natarajan: 1.5/10

Playing in his first ever IPL, Natarajan came in with much hype. He bowled fast, but lack of experience got the better of him. (Wickets 2)

Anureet Singh:1/10

In the one match Anureet played, he ended up scoring a quick fire 15.

Rinku Singh: 1/10

He gets one mark for just featuring for KXIP as opposed many of his famed teammates.

Armaan Jaffer, Pradeep Sahu,Nikhil Naik and Darren Sammy did not get even that.