IPL 2019: Match 9, Kings XI Punjab vs Mumbai Indians - Kings XI Punjab Predicted Playing XI

Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will aim to bounce off the blocks when they play their first game at the home turf against Mumbai Indians at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali on March 30 (Saturday). Meanwhile, Punjab have had a mixed start to this tournament with one win and loss each.

Punjab skipper Ravichandran Ashwin received heavy criticism for his Mankad incident in the first game against Rajasthan Royals. It is likely that the turn of events has taken a toll of the Punjab skipper. He looked completely out of socks last night against Kolkata. The management will have to play a key role here talking to him and helping him leave that behind. Besides, the opening pair is yet to fire for the Kings XI Punjab as KL Rahul hasn’t found his touch right.

The franchise will have to sit and talk among themselves to solve their problems before the next outing. Varun Chakravarthy – who had the worst debut possible is likely to sit out as Kings XI Punjab aim to return to winning ways.

Here is the predicted playing XI of Kings XI Punjab from match 9 of IPL 2019 against Mumbai Indians at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali:

LOKESH RAHUL

KL Rahul is yet to find his ground in this tournament. But, he needs to find his form back to strengthen his case ahead of the ICC World Cup. Running short of time, the stylish batsman will look to time the ball and put some runs under his belt in the next outing.

CHRIS GAYLE

The big Windies opener has been in outstanding touch of late which will be a sigh of relief for Mike Hesson-coached side. However, they need to monitor Chris Gayle’s fitness. If fit, Gayle will give many sleepless nights to the bowlers in IPL 2019.

MAYANK AGARWAL

Mayank Agarwal, who recently made his Test debut for India, scored his maiden fifty of this season. Mayank’s form will be a massive boost for the Kings XI Punjab, and the Karnataka batsman will also look to keep up the excellent work.

SARFARAZ KHAN

Sarfaraz Khan played a good knock in the first, but he tried to be extra cheeky which went against him. The young batsman has all the shots in his book but needs to settle down and concentrate solely on his batting.

DAVID MILLER

David Miller has shown that he is in good form in his first match of this season. The southpaw has been a dependable cricketer for the Kings and will be keen to score more runs here as he is looking this is a perfect platform to prepare for the ICC World Cup.

MANDEEP SINGH

Mandeep Singh played a good hand of 33 runs from 15 deliveries; however, it went in vain. The Punjab batsman is a good striker of the ball and will have to score runs for the Kings XI Punjab in the upcoming games.

HARDUS VILJOEN

Hardus Viljoen had an average debut in the Indian Premier League. He did a fair job with the ball; however, he didn’t get an opportunity to bat. The Proteas all-rounder will look to score some runs with the bat and contribute to the team’s success.

RAVICHANDRAN ASHWIN

Ravichandran Ashwin had a poor outing in the last game, and it seems like the Mankad incident has taken a toll on him. However, he needs to leave that behind and focus on his bowling. Being a skipper, Ashwin will have to lead the side from the front picking up wickets at crucial junctures.

MURUGAN ASHWIN

Kings XI Punjab played young debutant Varun Chakravarthy in the last game who failed to grab his opportunity. Murugan Ashwin who has experience of playing in this big is likely to come in his place. The Tamil Nadu spinner will have to bring his A game out to cement a berth in the playing XI.

MOHAMMED SHAMI

Mohammed Shami made a good start against Kolkata but sinked against in-form Andre Russell. However, the Bengal pacer is looking in a good rhythm, and the management will want their star bowler to perform. Moreover, they will also have to manage the workload of Shami considering the ICC World Cup looming large.

ANDREW TYE

The fast bowler from Australia, Andrew Tye is a specialist T20 bowler. He finished as the highest wicket-taker last season and Kings XI Punjab will want their strike bowler to do the job for them once again. Tye has good variations up his sleeves and will be crucial in guiding Punjab back to the winning ways.