IPL 2016, KKR vs KXIP Playing 11: Probable XI for Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab (Confirmed Playing 11)

KXIP have been struggling to win matches in the 2016 IPL

Let's take a look at the predicted Kings XI Punjab side which may play against KKR:

Batting

The Kings XI Punjab batting line-up has been struggling for form this season with new skipper Murali Vijay being the only consistent performer. Vijay has scored 198 runs in 7 innings with two half-centuries and tasted success in his very first match as skipper too. Manan Vohra has provided some amount of support to their captain by scoring 159 and 161 runs respectively. Shaun Marsh and has been ruled for the tournament and replaced by Hashim Amla in the squad. But, for this match, I back Farhaan Behardien to get the nod for the final foreigner spot.

The biggest problem for KXIP has been the form of former skipper David Miller and top player Glenn Maxwell. While Miller has only contributed 107 runs in 7 innings so far, Maxwell has scored 95 runs at a poor average of just under 16. Wriddhiman Saha has also not looked the part whereas Axar Patel has struggled to score runs down the order.

Punjab will need to improve drastically on the batting front if they want to get their 2016 IPL campaign back on track.

All-rounders

Another issue for the Kings in the 9th edition of the IPL has been the lacklustre performance of their all-rounders. Patel has done well with the ball but has not contributed enough with the bat. Marcus Stoinis has batted quite decently in his 2 matches but has not impressed much with the ball. Maxwell has not been performing with either bat or ball, adding further to Punjab's woes. The all-rounders will have to step up to pull their team out of a hole in the ongoing IPL season.

Bowling

Medium pacer Mohit Sharma has been the most successful bowler for KXIP this season. The former CSK bowler has claimed 10 wickets already and has conceded his runs at an economy of under 8. Left-arm spinner Axar Patel has also bowled well for his 8 wickets, which include a hat-trick against league leaders Gujarat Lions.

Opening bowler Sandeep Sharma has been a standout performer for Kings XI Punjab with 7 wickets at a brilliant economy rate of 6.60. None of the other bowlers have made much of an impression and this has been one of the primary reasons for the team's struggles in this year's IPL. The bowlers need to do even better to help the Kings stage a recovery.

Probable Playing XI

M Vijay, Manan Vohra, Marcus Stoinis, Glenn Maxwell, David Miller, Wriddhiman Saha, Farhaan Behardien, Axar Patel, KC Cariappa, Mohit Sharma, Sandeep Sharma.

*Updated