Coach Sanjay Bangar
Last season 6th
Best performance Semis, 2008
Secret weapon
Rishi Dhawan was bought for US$500,000 (Dh1.84 million), the second-highest bid for a non-capped player at February’s auctions. Dhawan has had an impressive domestic season with the ball for Himachal Pradesh. He had a haul of 49 wickets from just eight matches to top the Ranji Trophy wicket-takers chart, taking five wickets in an innings on six occasions. Is also a decent bat in the lower order.
Best Indian players
Virender Sehwag Making a fresh start with a new franchise, Sehwag will be keen to prove he can be the player he once was.
Cheteshwar Pujara Considered a Test specialist, Pujara could be the perfect foil in a team brimming with big hitters.
Murali Kartik The left-arm spinner's long experience will be vital to his team's campaign.
Foreign contingent
George Bailey (Australia) His country's T20 captain has been named skipper of the side.
David Miller (South Africa) One of the cleanest hitters in world cricket today.
Shaun Marsh (Australia) The leading run scorer for King's XI, Marsh's contributions will be crucial.
Beuran Hendricks (South Africa) A highly-rated left-arm quick, the South African will be making his debut in the IPL.
Mitchell Johnson (Australia) Not many batsmen will be keen to face his fearsome pace.
Glenn Maxwell (Australia) Known as the "Big Show", he is a fearsome hitter, a decent off-spinner and a fine fielder.
Thisara Perera (Sri Lanka) An all-rounder who could win matches on his own through his big hitting.
One thing you probably did not know about Punjab
Kings XI paid US$2.1 million (Dh7.7m) to retain the services of David Miller. The big-hitting South African was one of only two players retained, along with Manan Vohra, and his salary is $1m more than that of Mitchell Johnson. He earned it with his majestic batting performances in 2013.
Paul Radley’s chocolate comparison
If they were chocolate they would be ... a fondue fountain. Showy. The Big Show, in fact, if you believe Glenn Maxwell. Has its moments, but generally is just a bit messy.
arizvi@thenational.ae
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