IPL 2018: 18th Match: KKR vs KXIP - Kings XI Punjab Predicted XI

In the 18th match of the ongoing season, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) to continue their winning spree.

The Punjab-bound franchise has won their last two matches. Thus, Ravichandran Ashwin-led side will aim to continue the winning streak.

However, it should be noted Punjab won their previous two matches at their home ground; Mohali.

Oozing with the confidence, KXIP side is in Kolkata to prove their mettle.

Explosive Chris Gayle has given a shot in the arm to the team since he has been drafted into the playing XI. Hence, the Twenty20 protagonist has shown his worth in the cash-rich tournament.

The Mohali-based outfit has overall won three matches out of the four they have played so far in the domestic professional league T20 competition. It has been a perfect start from the Punjab side.

Here is a look at the Predicted XI of the Kings XI Punjab:

Chris Gayle:

Chris Gayle has arrived at the big stage. He has made a massive difference to the Punjab side. The aggressive southpaw has given a fillip to the KXIP in the last two matches.

Furthermore, the Universe Boss has also bagged two Man of the Match awards for pummelling the opposition bowlers.

Also read: IPL 2018: Chris Gayle Wishes his Daughter on her Second Birthday

Punjab will hope that Gayle continues to give them a good platform while batting at the top order.

KL Rahul:

KL Rahul has timed the ball to perfection. The wicketkeeper-batsman has veered off the track a bit in the last couple of matches after a good start to the season.

Hence, the flamboyant batsman from Karnataka will like to get a good knock under his belt.

Mayank Agarwal:

Mayank Agarwal has timed the ball nicely but he has failed to make a big score despite getting off to good starts.

Another batsman, who hails from Karnataka was in fine form, in the domestic circuit. Thus, he would like to make the most of his opportunity.

Yuvraj Singh:

Yuvraj Singh has once again looked vulnerable. The stylish southpaw didn’t get the chance to bat in the last match, as the top order did the bulk of a job.

Punjab player has also looked bleak in the field as he fluffed a simple catch in the previous outing.

Karun Nair:

Karun Nair has shown good form in the ongoing season. The right-hander from Karnataka has got good starts in the tournament.

Nair would like to keep delivering the goods for his team.

Aaron Finch:

Aaron Finch didn’t get a perfect start to the IPL. However, he was able to finish the innings on a high against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

Australian batsman can also be utilized at the top of the order as he has good hitting capabilities.

Ravichandran Ashwin:

Ravichandran Ashwin’s captaincy has really impressed everyone. Eventually, the spinner has also delivered the goods with the ball.

Ashwin will like to improve his fielding as he had also bungled a catch against SRH.

Andrew Tye:

Andrew Tye has been majestic with his knuckleball variations. The Australian bowler had scalped two wickets in the last match.

Quick Read: IPL 2018: Andrew Tye Surprised with His Price Tag at the Auction

Furthermore, Tye was also economical in his spell which was like icing on the cake after a couple of bleak performances for his side.

Barinder Sran:

Barinder Sran has impressed with his line and length. The left-arm bowler is thus far successful in executing his plans.

Sran had conceded just 22 runs in the last match against SRH. Hence, he was economical in his allotted four overs.

Mohit Sharma:

Mohit Sharma was on the expensive side in the previous game.

However, the paceman has bowled his slower ball from the back of the hand with great control.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman:

The Afghanistan teenage bowler Mujeeb Ur Rahman is continuing his good show in the tournament.

The mystery spinner has come up good for Kings XI Punjab while having the knack of bamboozling the opposition’s batsmen.

Also, read: IPL 2018: Will KXIP Drop Yuvraj Singh?