IPL 2019: KXIP's strongest playing XI for their first game against RR

Wicket-keeper and All-rounder - Nicholas Pooran and Sam Curran

Nicholas Pooran

2 newcomers are expected to make their IPL debut in the game vs RR. Caribbean sensation Nicholas Pooran and English speedster Sam Curran are expected to feature in the side's playing XI.

Pooran will take the burden of wicket-keeping from Rahul and even his batting will be put under the scanner after his blistering efforts in the Bangladesh Premier League and the T10 League. Pooran is a clean striker of the ball and has the ability to go big right from the first ball. His ideal batting position is either number 4 or 5 and with Nair at 4, he might very well make the number 5 spot his own with some quality performances.

The other debutant, Sam Curran, made a name for himself with his performances playing for England against India and won the 'Man of the Series' for his brilliant bowling and vital contributions with the bat. Curran will be the perfect number 7 batsman for Punjab and can go big as well as hang in there. His bowling is the highlight and bowls at around 135 Kph and swings the ball very well. He'll be one of the players to watch out for this season.