IPL 2018: 16th Match, KXIP vs SRH - Kings XI Punjab Predicted XI

The Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) will try to take advantage of the home conditions – to stop the winning streak of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).

The Punjab-based franchise came into the match after registering a close-win over Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and thus the team’s morale would be riding high.

The home side will look to keep their winning streak in the familiar conditions and they would know that they will have their work cut to out against Sunrisers’ juggernaut who have been invincible thus far in the ongoing season.

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

Chris Gayle:

The pugnacious Kings XI Punjab opener Chris Gayle once again showed why he is the king of Twenty20 cricket in the last match.

The Windies batsman had smashed 63 runs off just 33 balls to help put KXIP’s noses in front.

Following a blazing knock, Gayle was adjudged the Man of the Match  The team management will hope that the Universe Boss continues his good form and keeps giving them a good start.

Gayle has the ability to change the complexion of the game in a matter of few overs and he would be looking to provide a good platform for the team.

KL Rahul:

KL Rahul is timing the ball to perfection and it is always a treat to watch him bat. He is batting like a classical musician who is getting his every note on the mark.

So far, Rahul has been Punjab’s best batsman in the ongoing season and he has looked a class apart from everyone.

There were doubts over his wicketkeeping credentials before going into the season, but the Karnataka batsman has also done a fine job behind the stumps.

Mayank Agarwal:

Mayank Agarwal is coming into the IPL after having one of the best seasons in the domestic fold

The Karnataka batsman was able to get off to a start in the previous match against Chennai but could not score big for Kings XI Punjab.

Agarwal would like to capitalize on his starts and make a better contribution to the side. He is in red-hot form and it is imperative that he makes the most of it.

Yuvraj Singh:

There is no denying the fact that Yuvraj Singh is not at the peak of his career. The talisman batsman has failed to hit the ground running but we all know of his capabilities once he gets going.

It should also be noted that the southpaw is one good knock away before he can find his confidence.

Yuvraj is going to be pivotal to Punjab’s success and it is crucial for the franchise that the linchpin fires for them at all cylinders.

David Miller:

David Miller should be drafted in place of Aaron Finch, who has got out owing to the two golden ducks following his marriage.

The South African southpaw is not only handy with the bat but he is also a fine fielder.

Miller has the ability to finish off the games and he can play the vital role of the finisher for the Punjab franchise.

Karun Nair:

Karun Nair has got off to starts in almost every match so far and that the think tank should bat him up the order- to get the best out of him.

It is known that Nair doesn’t possess big hitting capabilities in his arsenal and he should be batting up the order to lay down the foundation.

Kings XI Punjab would want him to deliver in the upcoming fixtures.

Ravichandran Ashwin:

This is the first time in the IPL folklore in which Ravichandran Ashwin is leading a side. It would be fair to say that the Tamil Nadu-based spinner has done justice to his role.

Ashwin is leading from the front and it is also good to note that he leading with all the aplomb.

The ace-spinner is putting his weight behind his troops and they are delivering the goods for the team.

Andrew Tye:

Andrew Tye was on the expensive side in the last match against Chennai and he would aim to give a better performance this time around.

Tye has a plethora of arrows in his quiver and it is well known that the knuckleball is the most deadly weapon in his armory.

The Australian pacer has failed to get going thus far and he would be looking to hit the right areas.

Barinder Sran:

The left-arm bowler Barinder Sran had impressed with his variations in the last match.

The exciting bowler bowled looked out of sorts as he sent down six wides in the previous match. He would like to have a better control.

Mohit Sharma:

Mohit Sharma had to defend 17 runs off the last over against one of the best finishers in the game, Mahendra Singh Dhoni and he was able to come up roses.

Sharma was accurate with his wide yorkers and his stock delivery is the slower ball from the back of the hand.

It is not an easy ball to execute and Mohit has been able to deliver it right on the money.

What has been more impressive is the fact that he is been able to do that successfully in the crunch situations of the match for Kings XI Punjab in particular.

Mujeeb Ur Rahman:

Mujeeb Ur Rahman has bamboozled some of the finest players in the world and he was able to get the better of Virat Kohli.

The batsmen are still trying to figure out and have had their issues in reading him and it is evident that they are going to take some time before they will be able to pick him.

Also read: IPL 2018: Match 14, Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore – Statistical Highlights