IPL 2019: Kings XI Punjab Best Possible XI against Rajasthan Royals

The 12th edition of the Indian Premier League begins on the 23rd March. All the teams will look to give their best shot at lifting the trophy. Kings XI Punjab will begin their campaign on 25th March against Rajasthan Royals at Jaipur. The encounter is expected to be a nail biter, as both the teams are very strong and would not want to concede two points in the opening game.

A lot was expected from KXIP in the previous season due to the firepower they had along with a strong bowling unit. The team started on a bright note but lost the rhythm in the latter half of the tournament. Eventually, they were knocked out after losing their final match against the eventual champions Chennai Super Kings. However, their fans would expect a better show this season.

Let us take a look at the best possible team, which they can field in the first match that gives them the best chance to lift the trophy this season.

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Openers: KL Rahul and Chris Gayle

This duo of KL Rahul and Chris Gayle was the most successful opening pair in last year's IPL. Being a left-right opening pair, it becomes even more difficult to contain them. In IPL 2018, Rahul and Gayle had scored 659 and 358 runs respectively. They removed pressure from the middle order, which was very shaky last season.

Fans will expect them to fire in this season as well. Both of them have enjoyed tremendous from over the past few months. Rahul scored two consecutive 40+ scores in the recently concluded T20 series against Australia, while Chris Gayle had two centuries and two half-centuries in four OD I's against England.

If KXIP wants to get rid of their title drought this year, the onus will be on these two to put on big scores and set the platform for the team.

Middle Order: Mayank Agarwal, Karun Nair, Nicholas Pooran, Sarfraz

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Mayank Agarwal

Punjab's middle order was the main reason for their failure to qualify for the playoffs last season. However, the arrival of Sarfaraz Khan and Nicholas Puran will give more solidity to them this season. Mayank Agarwal would have gained a lot of confidence by the way he had performed in the test series against Australia, where he scored 195 runs in three innings.

The same would be the case with Nicholas Pooran, who was purchased at a price of ₹4.2 crores due to his exploits in the ODI series against India for West Indies last year.

Sarfraz Khan was retained last season by RCB last season but could score only 51 runs in 7 matches. Karun Nair had a decent season, where he scored 301 runs, but he has not enjoyed good form since then. Both of them are under tremendous pressure this season. A lot would be expected from the middle order if KXIP wants to improve their fortunes this season.

All Rounders: Sam Curran and Ravichandran Ashwin

The X factor- Sam Curran

Ravichandran Ashwin was retained by the team management, whereas Sam Curran was purchased at a mammoth price of ₹7.20 cr in this season's auction. These two all-rounders will give the team a lot of balance. Apart from providing depth to the batting lineup, both of them can give four overs with the ball, and thus provide a tremendous amount of strength to the team. Their presence will allow the team to play an extra batsman.

On one hand, Sam Curran can constantly bowl at speeds of more than 140 Km/hr, while Ashwin's off-spin will be an important factor throughout the tournament. Although the team's captain only 10 scalps in the previous season, he was economical throughout. Sam Curran can also be used to an aggressor to the innings.

More importantly, if the middle collapse, both of them can also control the innings. Also, they can attack from the very first ball, if provided with a solid foundation.

Bowlers: Mohammed Shami, Andrew Tye, and Varun Chakaravarthy

Mohammed Shami

These three bowlers will be very important throughout the season. Mohammed Shami, who is an important part of India's World Cup plans as well, has been in incredible form since his comeback into the Indian team.

Andrew Tye, who won the purple cap last season, would be raring to start from where he left last season. Although he has not played cricket for a while now, he has enjoyed success in the IPL over the last couple of years. The Australian pacer will be a very important presence because of his death bowling skills. His slower ones and back of the hand deliveries have proved to be difficult to deal with.

Varun Chakravarthy will be an exciting player to watch out for. He will share spinning duties with Ravichandran Ashwin. Although he would be playing his debut season, his various variations which are unknown to most batsman will make him an X- factor for the franchise.