IPL 2020: Kings XI Punjab Players' Performance Ratings

Kings XI Punjab had a season of two contrasting halves- winning just one game in the first seven, and then five wins on a trot in the second half. However, the players ran out of gas by the last two games and KXIP failed to qualify for the playoffs for the sixth consecutive IPL season.

Punjab will take plenty of positives after finishing sixth in the points table. They would be happy with the performances of youngsters, especially in the bowling department.

While KXIP was hugely dependant on their openers, different batsmen at different stages in the tournament chipped in with their contributions. However, they failed to grasp on the key moments and hence, lost the playoff spot by a small margin.

IPL 2020: Kings XI Punjab Players’ Performance Ratings

KL Rahul-9

KL Rahul is in the form of his life with the bat. A season in which he recorded 5 half-centuries and a century, the opener amassed 670 runs and is likely to win the orange cap. However, his strike rate of 129 is concerning. Experts believe Rahul refrained from taking risks and should have batted with more freedom. Fans would hope the new India vice-captain is at his explosive best for the blues.

Mayank Agarwal-9

Mayank Agarwal had a dream IPL season with the bat as he struck his first IPL century this year. In 11 matches, he scored 424 runs at a strike rate of 156 and gave quick starts to Punjab. The 29-year-old has got a national call up for the T20 team in absence of injured Rohit Sharma.

Chris Gayle-9

Chris Gayle was at the helm of Punjab’s comeback in the tournament. The Universe Boss struck three half-centuries in 7 matches, and Punjab won five of those 7 games. Gayle,41, has proved that age is just a number, and he still has his destructive abilities intact.

Mohammed Shami-9

Mohammed Shami was Punjab’s leading wicket-taker taking 20 scalps at an economy of 8.57. He was terrific with the new ball in the powerplay and en enforcer in the middle-overs. Earlier criticized for his death bowling, Shami displayed his yorker bowling skills in the super over against Mumbai Indians.

Nicholas Pooran-8.5

A strike rate of 165 for his 353 runs shows why Nicholas Pooran is one of the most sought after T20 batsman in the world. Pooran is one of the players which Punjab would like to retain for the future. If the left-hander can stay at the crease for a little more time, he would become a world-beater.

Ravi Bishnoi-8.5

Ravi Bishnoi is one of the youngsters who has impressed this season. The KXIP management had faith in India’s under-19 star and played him all the matches. Bishnoi, 20, picked up 12 wickets at a brilliant economy of 7.37. The leggie has emerged out to be the leading spinner in a team that had other experienced spinners.

Deepak Hooda-8

Deepak Hooda did the most he could have done with the opportunities he got. The right-hander got out just once in five innings. He scored 101 runs at a strike rate of 142, In KXIP’s last game against CSK, he carried the team to a respectable total with a blazing 62 from 30 balls.

Murugan Ashwin-8

In a topsy-turvy season, Murugan Ashwin was a consistent performer for Punjab. He bowled in the powerplay and the middle-overs. Along with Bishnoi, both the leg-spinners tied the opposition in the middle phase of the innings and were instrumental in Punjab’s five-match winning streak. He picked up 10 wickets at an economy of 7.46.

Arshdeep Singh-7.5

Arshdeep Singh is amongst the youngsters who have impressed the most this season. He was a vital cog in Punjab’s re-emergence in the tournament as it allowed Rahul to play an extra overseas batsman. Arshdeep supported Shami and Jordan at both ends of the innings. His length and variations were incredible. The 21-year-old picked 9 wickets in 8 matches at an economy of 8.77.

Chris Jordan-7

Like his team, Chris Jordan also was impressive in the second half of the tournament. He showed why he is England’s death specialist by the end of the season. His 3/17 against Sunrisers Hyderabad is one of the finest spells of the tournament. The seamer was also terrific in the field taking a few stunning catches.

Mandeep Singh-6

Mandeep Singh’s 66* against Kolkata in a match-winning cause kept Punjab’s hopes for the playoffs alive. However, he couldn’t make any significant contributions apart from that. The 28-year-old showed great mental strength by taking the field after losing his father- it is the kind of character and commitment which teams look for in a player.

Sheldon Cottrell-5

Sheldon Cottrell didn’t bowl the same after the match against Rajasthan where Rahul Tewatia smacked him for 5 sixes in an over as he did before that. Cottrell picked wickets with the new ball but was expensive in the death. He took 6 wickets in 6 games and was dropped mid-season.

Krishnappa Gowtham-3

Krishanppa Gowtham was traded in from Rajasthan Royals. However, he played only two games and was dropped for his expensive bowling. He leaked runs at an economy of 10.5 and picked a solitary wicket in two games, and was dropped for the rest of the season.

Glenn Maxwell-3

That Glenn Maxwell couldn’t manage to hit a single maximum in 13 matches summarises his IPL season. The Australian scored a total of 108 runs at a strike rate of 101. His added contribution with the ball kept him in the side after dismal performances with the bat.

Maxwell’s 3 wickets at an economy of 8.04 and 4 catches helped Punjab more than his batting. However, even after the all-rounder’s continued disappointing returns in the IPL for years, it wouldn’t be a surprise if some franchise buys him in the next auction.

James Neesham-3

James Neesham was brought by Punjab considering his excellent all-round performance in the World Cup. However, the Kiwi couldn’t replicate the success he had for New Zealand in the IPL. Neesham in 5 matches scored 19 runs at a strike rate of 105 and picked 2 wickets at an economy of 9.86. The all-rounder might find it difficult to get buyers in the next auction.

Sarfaraz Khan-2

Sarfaraz Khan was selected in the eleven at the start of the tournament. He scored 33 runs at a strike rate of 113 and was dropped after 5 matches. Sarfaraz had a tremendous domestic season where he scored a triple hundred, but couldn’t take that form in the IPL. His fielding ability is still a concern for Punjab.

Karun Nair-2

Karun Nair was given a place in Punjab’s eleven at the start of the tournament. But with excess firepower at the top, he was pushed down the order. Nair played 4 matches, scored 16 runs at a strike rate of 114, and was dropped to never be picked again. His inability to hit big shots cost him a place in the team.

Prabhsimran Singh-1.5

2 matches, 15 runs at a strike rate of 100 and a catch- nothing significant to remember for Prabhsimran Singh this season, apart from the learning he would have received in the dressing room from some of the giants of cricket. The 20-year-old wicket-keeper will hope for more opportunities in the future.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman-1

Mujeeb Ur Rahman had a forgettable season. In the two matches he played, bowling 8 overs Mujeeb gave away 83 runs without taking a single wicket. The Afghanistan spinner is also a liability in the field. Fans will expect a better show from Mujeeb next season, as he is far more skilful than the numbers suggest this IPL.

Harpreet Brar-1

Harpreet Brar is a young left-arm spinner from Punjab. This season in the IPL he played a solitary game against CSK and gave away 41 runs in his 4 overs. The youngster will take the learning from the time he spent in the Punjab dressing room.

Also Read: ‘Imran Khan Was A Drug Addict’- Former Pakistan Teammate Sarfaraz Nawaz