IPL 2020: SWOT Analysis of Kings XI Punjab

KXIP in IPL 2020: Weaknesses

Shami is the only recognised Indian pacer on the KXIP roster

#1 KXIP's Indian pace attack has no depth

Apart from Mohammed Shami, who himself only established himself on the IPL scene last season, KXIP have no recognised Indian pacers. The young Ishan Porel is the only other option at their disposal, and the lanky pacer has no IPL or international experience.

This means that KXIP will have to field an overseas fast bowler - Hardus Viljoen, Sheldon Cottrell and Chris Jordan being their choices, which could in turn hamper the inclusion of their quality overseas batters.

KXIP's obvious lack of depth in the pace department could cost them dearly.

#2 KXIP lack world-class, wicket-taking spinners

Murugan Ashwin, Krishnappa Gowtham and Mujeeb Ur Rahman are the only three IPL-tested spinners at KXIP's disposal, and all three are restrictive bowlers who look to stem the flow of runs. As a result, KL Rahul doesn't have a go-to wicket-taking option that he can call upon.

The young Ravi Bishnoi is certainly a wicket-taker, but he is highly inexperienced and might take time to adjust to the demands of the IPL. Karnataka left-armer spinner Jagadeesha Suchith is among the other options, who don't exactly inspire confidence.

#3 Apart from KL Rahul, KXIP's Indian batting contingent don't have good IPL numbers

Apart from KL Rahul, KXIP's Indian batting contingent - comprising of Karun Nair, Mayank Agarwal, Mandeep Singh, Deepak Hooda and Sarfaraz Khan - don't have attractive IPL numbers in recent seasons, even though they are all quality batsmen.

Nair played only 1 game last season, while Agarwal has scored more than 200 runs in only 3 of his 9 IPL campaigns. Mandeep has managed only 2 fifties in the last 6 seasons, and has batted lower down the order for most of the recent past. Hooda's numbers in the IPL are nightmarish, and while Sarfaraz showed great promise with RCB, his impact on games has dwindled since.