Summary
Last year was not a year for the Kings XI to remember.
Runners up in 2014, the side led by Australian George Bailey could not
rediscover their thrilling brand of cricket from the previous season and
instead slumped to a rock bottom finish in the table. In what was a largely
unchanged team, it was a surprise to see Punjab struggle.
Key players from the
previous year did not perform as consistently. Glenn Maxwell was formidable in
2014 but looked a shadow of his belligerent self for the majority of the 2015
season. The Australian had a torrid time over the course of his 11 innings,
scoring just 145 runs – but nevertheless at a healthy strike rate of 129.46.
Mitchell Johnson was also disappointing with the ball, going at an alarming
rate of 9.37 runs per over.
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| Last year's captain George Bailey was released ahead of the 2016 auction and was not bought (PHOTO: Hannah Peters) |
The batting was a big reason behind the slump, with
Manan Vohra and Virender Sehwag averaging a paltry 11.71 and 12,37
respectively, in comparison to 40.5 and 26.76 in the previous year whilst
scoring at a considerably slower rate. Wriddhiman Saha, the man who scored 115
in the Final in 2014, also endured a less successful 2015 with the bat,
averaging just 19.15 over the course of his 13 innings.
Indeed, the fact that
bowling all-rounder Axar Patel found himself third in the Kings XI batting
averages almost sums up the plight of some of the star names in the Punjab
lineup. Once again, however, the leading light on the batting front for KXIP
was South African batsman David Miller. Miller bludgeoned 357 runs at 32.45 to finish
top of the Punjab averages for the second season running.
Sandeep Sharma again
found himself spearheading the attack as he claimed 13 wickets at 26.92. He
took five more in the previous season, but managed to significantly improve his
economy rate – getting it down to 7 from 8.81. A bowler who went the opposite way
to Sandeep was Axar. A left arm orthodox spinner, Axar bowled beautifully in 2014,
taking 17 wickets at 23.82, with an incredible economy rate of just 6.13.
However, he was unable to carry that form into 2015, instead going at 8.4 on
his way to taking 13 wickets.
Key players
Glenn Maxwell
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| Maxwell had a torrid IPL 2015 but had a solid enough World t20 (PHOTO: Ryan Pierse) |
Maxwell enjoyed a relatively fruitful World t20, with only Usman Khawaja scoring more runs for Australia. The 26-year-old was consistent during the competition but also failed to build on several starts with a high score of 31 in four innings. Maxwell will also look to contribute in the field and with the ball, having bowled relatively tidily during his eight overs in the World t20. The off spinner was used sparingly by George Bailey during his first two years at KXIP but will surely be used more regularly in IPL 9.
David Miller
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| New captain: South Africa's David Miller will skipper KXIP (PHOTO: Gareth Copley) |
A destructive batsman, Miller excels at the end of an innings and is widely known as one of the best finishers in world cricket. His ability to clear the ropes, particularly during the death overs, makes him a dangerous opponent to face.
Miller had a mixed World t20, facing just 24 balls across the three innings in which he appeared in. He did, however, crash 48 runs in those innings as his powerful striking at the death was evidenced. His position in a strong batting lineup meant he was unlikely to be able to face many deliveries, especially due to the form of the top order.
Sandeep Sharma
Sharma is a beautiful bowler to watch. Not the quickest, but he has the ability to make the ball shape and swing both ways at the start of an innings. He is liable to be hit during the back end of the innings when there is less swing available, but nevertheless he has shown himself to be a highly skilled bowler.
Indeed, his numbers from the previous two IPL seasons back up his talent. Despite being on the expensive side, Sandeep took 18 wickets in 2014 at an impressive average of 19.66.
Another impressive facet of Sandeep's game is his ability to bowl maidens - a rare feat in t20s. He bowled two in 2014 and doubled that tally in 2015.
It was another successful season for the young bowler in 2015 as the 22-year-old claimed 13 scalps alongside an fantastic economy rate of 7.00. Another impressive part of Sandeep's rise and subsequent statistics is the fact that the majority of his 31 IPL wickets have come in the powerplay overs at the start of an innings.
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| Sandeep is a dangerous bowler in the powerplay (PHOTO: IPL/BCCI via Indian Express) |
It was another successful season for the young bowler in 2015 as the 22-year-old claimed 13 scalps alongside an fantastic economy rate of 7.00. Another impressive part of Sandeep's rise and subsequent statistics is the fact that the majority of his 31 IPL wickets have come in the powerplay overs at the start of an innings.
Key auction buys
Kyle Abbott
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| Abbott will provide competition for Mitchell Johnson (PHOTO: Pal Pillai-IDI) |
The signing of Abbott is much more encouraging for KXIP, with the disappointing Johnson now faced with a genuine rival for his place.
Indeed, Abbott may well pip Johnson to the race for a starting spot, especially given the new South African power in the Punjab camp.
Abbott had a generally impressive World t20, save for the run-fest in Mumbai against England. That game hurt Abbott's overall figures somewhat, but the 28-year-old still managed to take seven wickets at 13 in the three games he played.
Abbott had a generally impressive World t20, save for the run-fest in Mumbai against England. That game hurt Abbott's overall figures somewhat, but the 28-year-old still managed to take seven wickets at 13 in the three games he played.
Mohit Sharma
Mohit was somewhat of a key player for the Chennai Super Kings over the last three years since his first involvement, taking an impressive 57 wickets in 47 games. He has been very consistent in terms of wicket-taking, claiming 20, 23 and 14 in 2013, 2014 and 2015 respectively. His first year was arguably his best year as he averaged just 16.3 with a brilliant economy rate of 6.43 as the Super Kings lost out to the Mumbai Indians in the Final.
Sharma was an integral part of a very good Chennai side and was one of the bowlers Mahendra Singh Dhoni turned to when the going got rough. Like Sandeep, Mohit is especially dangerous at the beginning of an innings when there is swing on offer. Again, like Sandeep, he is a genuine wicket taker and the pair could well strike up a formidable opening bowling partnership.
Farhaan Behardien
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| The South African will provide experience in the KXIP middle order (PHOTO: Prakash Singh) |
The 32-year-old was selected in South Africa's 15 man squad for the World t20, but only played once. That was in the dead rubber against Sri Lanka and although he did not get the chance to bat, Behardien performed admirably with the ball - taking 3-15 from three overs.
Potential starting XI
Vijay, S Marsh, Vohra, Maxwell, Miller, Saha, Gurkeerat, Axar, Abbott, Mohit, Sandeep
Squad analysis
The Kings XI squad looks strong, particulary on the bowling front. There is such depth to the bowling that, referring to the above team, Mitchell Johnson, Rishi Dhawan and Anureet Singh could all miss out. Dhawan has performed well for Punjab over the last two years and has since earned an Indian call-up, while Anureet impressed greatly in 2015. Mystery spinner KC Cariappa is also a bowling option.
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| Stoinis has impressed in the BBL, can he make a name for himself in the IPL? (PHOTO: Robert Cianfione-CA) |
In terms of the potential starting XI, there is certainly star quality. Murali Vijay and Shaun Marsh are reliable, technically-sound opening batsmen, while Manan Vohra has shown his considerable talent in past seasons. Maxwell and Miller provide genuine match-winning ability in the middle order, while Saha and Gurkeerat Singh have shown enough quality and promise to have represented India in the past year. Axar Patel is also a very capable batsman down at number eight.
It is a very similar batting lineup to that of last year, with new captain Miller required to continue his excellent IPL form along with Vijay, Marsh and Maxwell. The addition of Mohit greatly strengthens the bowling unit, although the lack of a genuine fifth bowling option may be a hindrance - Maxwell, Gurkeerat and Vijay will likely make up four overs between them.
Prediction
The Kings XI will have to put the 2015 season behind them and return to the exciting brand of cricket that saw them so successful in 2014. It is surely unlikely that so many batsmen will be in poor form throughout the tournament once again, with the likely inclusion of Shaun Marsh in the XI on a regular basis a good port of call for consistency.
Maxwell comes into the IPL on the back of a solid World t20 in India and will look to get back to his scorching 2014 form. The strength of the bowling unit is another positive for KXIP and there is surely less scope for a repeat of last year.
Verdict: challenging for the play offs
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