While the Kolkata Knight Riders have managed to rope in some big names in cricket like Chris Gayle and Brendon McCullum, Punjab’s Kings XI haven’t been quite so fortunate. But nevertheless it will be foolish to consider them any less formidable than the former; as last year’s semi-finalists, the Kings XI are still a daunting challenge.

Their biggest and priciest buy for this year’s second season has been England’s batsman Ravi Bopara, at $450,000. But the key for the Kings XI still lies in the hands of last year’s players: In Season 1, Australian opener Shaun Marsh worked wonders for the team. If he can keep up that level of performance this year too, the Kings XI will have little left to worry about. In addition, the team can boast of Kumara Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. This Sri Lankan duo has been indispensable to the Sri Lankan team for years, and through the first season of the IPL has proved indispensable for the Kings XI as well. All of them along with Australian Luke Pomersbach have put together a strong batting line up. The team will however have to do without Ramnaresh Sarwan who did not extend his contract.Perhaps the most crucial player for this Preity Zinta, Ness Wadia owned team will be Yuvraj Singh, who also leads the team. His eye catching performances last year were what took his team so far. This year too it is hoped that Yuvraj, who loves batting in South Africa, will continue pillaring his team the same way.

If there is anything that could render the team weak, it is their bowling attack which somehow does not have the same blaze that the batting line up can boast of: especially since West Indian speedster Jerome Taylor had to be counted out because of an injury, and Sreesanth had to drop out after a stress fracture in his lower back. But the management has included a South African Bowler, Yusuf Abdullah, who could prove very useful to the team, considering that he is based here in South Africa.

Another vital aid inclusion to the team is David Nosworthy who is the head coach of the South African team, The Lions. His in-depth knowledge of the pitches and South African conditions will only help the Kings XI prepare better.
Source – cricket360.com