IPL 2018: Kings XI Punjab squad analysis

Batting

Finch would not be available for the first few games

The Kings XI Punjab have a lot of choices as far as batting is concerned. Chris Gayle (200 runs in 9 IPL games in 2017) is likely to open the innings in the first few games since Aaron Finch would not be available. The remainder of the season, for Universal Boss, will depend on how he fares in the few games before the return of Finch.

KL Rahul (725 runs in 39 IPL matches) might get the nod as either of Finch or Gayle’s opening partner. Rahul has been in good nick, yet, he hasn’t been a regular in the Indian national side. A good IPL season might help his case further.

Finch (1206 runs from 36 T20Is) is an experienced campaigner now and has been doing pretty well in the international circuit for Australia. Yuvraj Singh, who captained the Kings XI in the first edition, will hope to make solid contributions for his team in the middle order and stay in consideration for the ICC 2019 Cricket World Cup.

With the explosive David Miller, Karun Nair, Mayank Agarwal - coming from a fairy-tale domestic season, Manoj Tiwary etc, the team seems to have all the ammunition needed for a successful season.

However, bagging a regular wicket-keeper could have been a smarter move at auctions. Rahul is expected to do the job for the team, who, at best, can be termed a part-time keeper. Akshddep Nath, the vice-captain of the U-19 team that won the World Cup in 2012, can be seen as a backup.