IPL 2019 Auction: 5 players KXIP should sign in the auction

With the player auctions for the 2019 edition of IPL around the corner, it is time for the franchises to make important purchases that not only could render balance to their squad, but could even go on to play a crucial role in their team's fortunes in the main event that is to take place in March 2019.

After November 15, the last date for trading window before the Auctions on December 16, all franchise to be given a purse of ₹ 3 crores which will add to their leftover balance from 2018 auction.

So, KXIP are expected to have a purse of ₹ 3.10 crores (3 crore purse + 10 Lacs Remaining Balance) at auction this year. As the players were added on basis of the three-year contract in the previous auction, this year teams will be bidding just fill over the gap left over by released or leftover players.

"To figure out how it works we'll take an example of QDK, who was traded to MI for ₹2.8 Crores. For retaining De Kock services, MI has released two players Mustafizur Rahman (₹ 2.2 crore) and Akila Dananjaya (₹50 Lac). So they will go in auction just to fill over the gap left over by releasing these players."

Kings XI Punjab may not have won the IPL till now but the entertainment and thrill they have provided to their fans are certainly unbeatable. The star-studded team is still waiting to get their hands on the premier trophy. The team went through a roller coaster ride in the previous edition and were termed as favourites to clinch the title at half stage. But the Kings lost their way afterwards as they managed just one win in the second half resulting in disappointment for team and fans.

What’s done is done and is a matter of past, now they will have their eyes on upcoming auction to settle down their future. Here are five players Kings XI Punjab can keep an eye on to get their side back on track.

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#5 Glenn Phillips

Glenn Phillips had an outstanding stint at CPL 2018

New Zealand T20I batsman Glenn Phillips can be an option worth considering for KXIP management. The New Zealander impressed everyone with his performance in the recently concluded Carribean Premier League and was leading run-getter for New Zealand A side in three-match T20I series against Pakistan A.

During his stint for Jamaica Tallawahs in CPL 2018, He amassed 457 in 11 outings at an impressive average of 41.54 to occupy the second spot on leading run scorers list, which also helps him to get his spot back in the national team.

The batsman has been decent form since then and can be a facet the Kings would consider going into the auction next season.

#4 Laurie Evans

Laurie Evans

Laurie Evans has been a revelation in T20 cricket, setting the Vitality T20 blast on fire and performed decently well for the Kabul Zwanan in Afghanistan Premier League 2018. The batsman has a brilliant record in the shortest format of the game as he has scored 2133 runs in 102 matches across different T20 leagues.

In the 2018 season, KXIP suffered a gaping weakness - a batsman who can support KL Rahul and consistent runs in the middle. As none of the middle order batsmen able to provide consistent knocks After getting good starts, team lost its plot in the middle overs while batting and he seems to be best one to recover this weakness.

Meanwhile, the batsman is currently going through the form of his life. The Sussex batsman went on to amass 614 runs to lead the runs chart at an outstanding average of 68.22, which not ordinary in this format. He didn't stop their and continued his show in APL too, where he scored 305 runs and once again averages above 60. So this makes him a man to bid for in IPL Auctions.

#3 Anmolpreet Singh

Anmolpreet Singh

Anmolpreet Singh is one of few raw talents in Indian Cricket arena and was a surprise package in Vijay Hazare Trophy. Anmol had a phenomenal VHT outing as he went on to score 314 runs in his three innings for Punjab at a brilliant average of 104.

Singh's recent form also makes him man to bid for. The batsman impressed everyone with his career-best List-A score of 141 runs from 114 balls in a rain-curtailed encounter against Goa, followed by a match-winning knock of 138 runs against Karnataka. In that game shared a massive 198 run stand with Shubman Gill to lay down the foundation of victory.

He is a kind of batsman who always goes in the field with the attacking mindset and his art of picking the loose ones is another plus. The Local lad has the ability to play pace and spin equally well, which enables him to counter the opposition easily. So, his inclusion in the side might give KXIP an additional option in their ranks without tickling foreign slots.

#2 Colin Ingram

Colin Ingram

Colin Ingram is a South African mostly known for his clean hitting skills and was a part of the Glamorgan squad in recently concluded Vitality T20 Blast. The African also featured in IPL way back in 2011 but didn't get many chances as he played just three fixtures for Delhi Daredevils.

Colin is currently in his best form, which can be proved by the fact that the All-rounder was among leading run scorers in recently concluded T20 Blast with 430 runs at an impressive average of 53.75 and his strike rate of 164.75 is enough to prove his big-hitting abilities.

He is an explosive batsman and has the ability to hit the ball all around the park. The batsman seems to be a perfect candidate for recruitment and is capable of eliminating Kings XI Punjab middle-order woes. So, having Colin in the ranks might be the best option for Punjab to strengthen their batting lineup.

#1 Moises Henriques

Moises Henriques

Moises Henriques, the Australian player is one of the best T20 all-rounders around the globe. The Aussie all-rounder featured in seven seasons of this mega league and has represented five different IPL franchises in between, including Delhi Daredevils, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Moises is a perfect middle order batsman and an ideal T20 bowler who can bowl effectively in the death overs. The All-rounder featured in 57 IPL matches across seven seasons scoring 969 runs at a strike-rate of 128.17, with his best score being 75* and taken 38 wickets at an economy of 8.38, with his best figures being 3/16.

In his most recent stint in JLT Cup, the New South Wales batsman smashed 274 runs in his five outings including 134* against Queensland. While he was also among leading run scorers in Global T20 Canada with 221 in his six outing for Montreal Tigers at a decent average of 36.83.

So, having such a versatile player in the ranks is always a big plus for any team and signing him in the auction will certainly provide KXIP with a good option to reduce the middle order vows.