IPL 2018: How Kings XI Punjab could line up for their opener

All-rounders (Marcus Stoinis and Axar Patel)

Marcus Stoinis has really raised his game in the last couple of years. He has grown to be a reliable lower-order batsman and a decent medium pace bowler with clever variations. Stoinis will bring balance to the squad.

The only player to be retained by Kings XI Punjab, Axar Patel has been exceptional playing for them. Apart from his economical bowling spells, the southpaw has the ability to tonk the ball late in the innings as well. With Ashwin as the skipper, it will be interesting to see how Patel is used.