Before the 2015 Indian Premier League starts on April 8, The National will preview each of the eight teams. Next up, Kings XI Punjab.
An overview
The reputation of Kings XI has always outscored their actual performance on the field. It made sense too. The Bollywood-tinted ownership, the big-name players, semi-finalists in the inaugural IPL, so often that glam turned them into a Chelsea of the IPL (in the days before Roman Abramovich).
But last season, fuelled by Glenn Maxwell and steered with amiable calm by coach Sanjay Bangar and captain George Bailey, Kings XI reached the final. There they lost narrowly to Kolkata Knight Riders but suddenly assumed the feel of a stable, powerful side.
The lesson they have learnt is to maintain, as much as possible, that stability. They replaced only three players from their squad of last season. They only splurged once and that too was a wise investment, drafting in Murali Vijay from Delhi Daredevils. Virender Sehwag now has a formidable partner at the top.
A lot of their pep and energy will come from the three Australians who form their centre. Bailey, Mitchell Johnson and Maxwell return this season on a high, as World Cup winners and that confidence is likely to be spread through the squad.
Maxwell was described by Bangar as the “lifeline” of the side and his impact after becoming a world champion is likely to increase even more.
When you have Johnson in the side, it is easy to wonder what else is really needed for the bowling attack, but Kings XI look a little thin in their resources. They have many bits-and-pieces options in their bowling, so many that you suspect they will be caned on at least a couple of occasions.
The match winner – David Miller
Sure, when you mention Kings XI Punjab, it is difficult to look beyond Glenn Maxwell. But Miller is no lesser and last season his numbers matched up well to Maxwell’s. He is more orthodox in how he plays, but his impact can often be as devastating as Maxwell’s, especially as he comes in lower.
Up and coming star – Axar Patel
Mohali probably has India’s fastest wicket, so a young, left-arm spinner might seem out of place there. Patel was outstanding last season, however, picking up 17 wickets and conceding just over six an over. It paved the way for an Indian debut.
Five to watch
Glenn Maxwell – Even if you tried, you would struggle to not to tune in to the “Big Show” Maxwell at some point during this season. He is one of the game’s most electric presences at the crease at the moment.
Thisara Perera – On his day Perera can count himself among the more destructive all-rounders in world cricket. In more familiar conditions in India, he will almost certainly change the fortunes of a game or three.
Mitchell Johnson – Just at the right time, Johnson reminded everyone at the World Cup that he was the Mitchell you should worry about, at least as much as Mitchell Starc. It was in India and in the shorter formats that Johnson rebuilt his career, which bodes well for this season.
Virender Sehwag – The grandaddy of modern batting. Sehwag’s game always looked built for the shorter formats but in actuality it was not. Test cricket’s attacking fields freed him up more. But his see-ball, hit-ball thinking is still as pure as they come and he hit an IPL hundred as recently as last season.
Sandeep Sharma – Sharma ended up as the fifth-highest wicket-taker in the IPL last season, ahead of both Axar Patel and Mitchell Johnson and that too despite playing less games. His medium-pacers had one of the lowest strike-rates in the top 30 bowlers.
Coach – Sanjay Bangar
Previous record – 2014: Runners up; 2013: Group stage; 2012: Group stage; 2011: Group stage; 2010: Group stage; 2009: Group stage; 2008: Semi-final.
The National’s verdict
With that kind of batting line-up they should go far again this season. They could even match last season’s runners-up finish but much will depend on their bowling. If it wins them a few games, expect them to be in the late-season mix.
MORE IPL PREVIEWS
– Consistency key for Chennai Super Kings
– Royal Challengers Bangalore boast fearsome batting and bowling
– Mumbai Indians still in a perpetual state of flux
– Kolkata Knight Riders in position for another podium place
– Delhi Daredevils still looking to turn big names into big results
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