THE Kings XI Punjab lost to the Chennai Super Kings in last year’s second semifinal of the Indian Premier League by a massive nine wickets, after scoring a below-par 112/8 in their 20 overs.

They had an impressive 10 wins from their 14 pool games, the second best record in the tournament behind eventual winners the Rajasthan Royals with 11 from 14.

The team will be led by Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh, who will want to improve on his record in the tournament after scoring 299 runs in 14 innings at an average of just 23.

One of the finds of the tournament was left-handed Australian batsman Shaun Marsh, who scored 616 runs in his 11 innings — the top scorer in the competition — at an average of 68.44. He was also one of just six players to score a century in the inaugural IPL (115) .

The batting line- up also offers a host of experience and fire power in Sri Lankans Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene and Ramnaresh Sarwan from the West Indies.

In the bowling department, Indian fast bowlers Sree Sreesanth and Irfan Pathan will spearhead the attack with Kyle Mills of New Zealand and returning Australian paceman Brett Lee.

Australian Tom Moody will coach the side, which is owned by Bollywood actress Preity Zinta and renowned businessmen Ness Wadia, Mohit Burman and Karan Paul.
Source – thetimes.co.za