IPL 2018: 4 reasons why Kings XI Punjab may clinch their maiden IPL title this time

Kings XI Punjab are one of the three current active teams in IPL to have never laid their hands on an IPL trophy, the other two being Delhi Daredevils and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Despite having had the luxury of their jersey being donned by stalwarts such as Kumar Sangakkara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Yuvraj Singh, lady luck has never glistened her smile on their fortunes. Their best ever performance was ending up as runners-up in 2014.

However, things are looking upward for the team in the IPL 2018 and this season might reverse their track record as KXIP are on the right path, having made some sensible decisions during auctions. The team has a perfect blend of youth and experience that might just be the medicine that the doctor ordered.

Here are four reasons why 2018 might be the year when KXIP might rewrite history and go on to fill their trophy cabinet this time around.

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#1 Heavy top order batting

Aaron Finch is one of the most explosive players in the game

Top order batting line-up is one of the most vital cogs in any successful T20 team's wheel. KXIP's top order batting has the potential to send the chills down the spine of any bowling attack. With the opening batting attack comprising the names of some of the biggest hitters in the world, KXIP can truly lay claim to being the front-runners this season.

They managed to bag the universal boss Chris Gayle at his base price. Though one might argue that Gayle is not the same threat he used to be, he still has the potential to shred any bowling attack to pieces on his day.

Along with him is Australian dasher Aaron Finch who has the ability to clear the ropes with ease and enjoys playing on Indian soil. There is also KL Rahul in the mix who has a T20I average of 45.45.

If their top order manages to make maximum utilization of the powerplay overs and give them a good headway, KXIP fans might have a lot to rejoice this season.

#2 Sturdy middle order and depth in batting

Yuvraj Singh would be itching to make a statement to the national selectors

Along with their incredible top order, KXIP has been blessed with a sturdy and explosive middle order which consists of some of the future batting stalwarts of India. With some exciting youngsters and experienced warhorses filling in the middle order, KXIP has more than one reason to feel optimistic this season.

With the Karnataka trio of KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, and Karun Nair in their bag, KXIP fans can rest assured that their middle order is in safe hands. While Nair is the only Indian to make a Test 300 barring Sehwag, Mayank Agarwal comes on the back of a blistering 2017 Ranji season where he scored more than 1000 runs and has been in red-hot form. Rahul might also have to settle at one down position if Gayle and Finch open.

Along with these, add the name of the legendary Yuvraj Singh. While Punjab fans are happy to see their icon player back in their side, this year's IPL might be the perfect opportunity for the southpaw to make a statement. Then there is the experienced workaholic Manoj Tiwary who has been around Indian Cricket circles for a while now.

Add to this the names of all-rounders Marcus Stonis and Axar Patel who are extremely handy batsmen in T20s and have the ability to clear the fence with ease. Even skipper Ashwin is an established batsman at the test level. Thus KXIP has a problem of plenty when it comes to choosing their middle order.

#3 Exceptional spin bowling attack

Axar Patel would be looking to make a case for his return to the Indian setup

On slow subcontinental tracks, it's the spinners who win you matches more often than not. Teams which have boasted of talented spinners have always gone on to do well in the IPL. Whether it's KKR (Sunil Narine), CSK (Ashwin/Jadeja) or MI (Harbhajan), spinners have always had a lion's share in their every IPL team's victorious campaign.

For the first time in IPL history, KXIP can boast of a laudable spin attack this time around. While skipper Ravichandran Ashwin is a T20 legend and his exploits in the shortest format are well known, Axar Patel has slowly managed to rise up the ranks and has carved a niche for himself in T20s. The additional responsibility of leadership might bring the best out of Ashwin.

There is also rookie Afghan teenage sensation Mujeeb Ur Rahman. Though only 16 years old, Mujeeb is one of the most sought-after spinners amongst various T20 franchises across the world. He is an off-spinner who occasionally mixes it up with leg breaks too. KXIP might thus be tempted to rely heavily on their tweakers.

#4 Refreshing captaincy change

Ashwin's leadership skills will come under the spotlight this season

Captaincy is one of the most important aspects of cricket. Apart from deciding the playing XI and making field placement changes, a captain also has to inspire confidence in his players and make them rise to the occasion. Considering the fickle nature of the T20 format, where a game can turn on its head in a span of a few deliveries, the captain has a huge stake.

Captaincy has been one of the weak points in KXIP's IPL journey. The fact that they had to juggle various captains in their IPL journey so far describes the instability that had plagued them. However, this is set to change this year with Ravi Ashwin's appointment. While the carrom ball expert might not boast of prior captaincy experience, he comes across as a natural leader.

Ashwin is a smart thinker who reads the game excellently and having played extensively under MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli, one would expect that he might have picked their brains. He is a highly vocal person who has the reputation of thinking out of the box.

He also has the experience of mentor Sehwag and senior statesman Yuvraj Singh to back him up whenever necessary. Thus one would expect that all these factors might propel KXIP to a maiden IPL victory.