IPL 2020: Strongest Probable Playing XI for Kings XI Punjab

#4 Bowlers (Sheldon Cottrell, Mohammed Shami, Mujeeb ur Rahman, Murugan Ashwin)

Mohammed Shami - Will be hoping to continue with his excellent form

Sheldon Cottrell was the big buy in the auction with KXIP dishing out INR 8.5 crore for him and will be the perfect new ball partner for Mujeeb with his swing and left-arm angle. He can bowl well at the death as well and is a terrific fielder. He is a true match-winner in T20s having a bowling average less than 20.

Mohammed Shami has been in outstanding form the past year or so and will provide the wicket-taking and death bowling option. He was the highest wicket-taker in ODIs last year and has been performing consistently for India in all 3 formats. He would like to carry that form to the IPL as well and cement his spot in India’s T20 WC squad.

Mujeeb ur Rahman is the most outstanding new ball spin bowler in the world with a lot of mystery and guile. His experience of playing in leagues across the world will hold him in good stead. He averages just 16.20 in T20Is with an economy of less than 5.5 which shows his effectiveness as an economical strike bowler.

Murugan Ashwin can be the leg-spin option and will provide the required variety in the bowling attack. He is an experienced customer now, having played more than 50 T20s and is a consistent wicket-taker with an economy of less than 7.5.

KXIP has plenty of backup bowling options in the squad both in the spin and pace department.

J Suchith and Ravi Bishnoi will be the backup options in the spin department especially with Bishnoi performing admirably well in the under 19 World Cup.

Chris Jordan and Hardus Viljoen will be the backup foreign pace bowling options and can also play instead of Mujeeb in pacer friendly conditions.

Ishan Porel and Arshdeep Singh will be the backup options for Shami and can also play instead of an Indian spinner on pacer friendly pitches.