IPL 2017: 5 areas Kings XI Punjab should work on to remain in contention for the play-offs

#5 Getting the overseas player combination right

Marsh is one of the overseas players who is a certain name on the teamsheet

So far Punjab’s overseas player combination in the playing XI has been one-dimensional. They have persisted on using all their overseas strength to boost their batting which has led to mixed results.

Out of the four slots available to them, Maxwell and Marsh occupy two without any hesitation while Guptill also looks to be a certainty. This leaves one slot open and Kings XI must fill it by asking themselves what they need the most.

Although the temptation to add another overseas batsman is too heavy, Punjab may actually benefit by roping in an all-rounder or a bowler.

Darren Sammy is a utility cricketer. With the bat, he can solve Punjab’s problem as a finisher as the Caribbean cricketer is known for hitting big strokes. And with the ball, he can sneak in with a few overs at crucial moments. Add to it his immense experience and Darren Sammy may turn out to be the x-factor for Punjab in what is a ‘make or break’ situation.