IPL 2020: 4 teams with solid bench-strength

Kings XI Punjab aimed at bringing lost balance to their set-up

First Choice Playing XI: KL Rahul (c), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Glenn Maxwell, Karun Nair, Krishnappa Gowtham, Chris Jordan, Darshan Nalkande, Murugan Ashwin, Mohammed Shami

Batting: Kings XI Punjab is probably the only team to have ruthless batsmen starting from the top to number 7 or 8. With Chris Gayle being prone to injury, KXIP has adequate back-ups in James Neesham, Mandeep Singh, Deepak Hooda, and Sarfaraz Khan who can be slotted in the middle-order while having flexible opening options in Mayank Agarwal and Mandeep Singh.

Bowling: They had a massive up-gradation in this department after struggling in the past. To their first-choice bowlers, they have the aid of Sheldon Cottrell, Hardus Viljoen, Arshdeep Singh, and Ishan Porel. Their spinners are supported by Mujeeb Ur Rahman and Jagdeesha Suchith.

All-rounder: In this department, the Punjab-based franchise has managed to gain the services of James Neesham, who might start the season as a backup. Apart from him, they have Deepak Hooda and Harpreet Brar.