The IPL 2020 auction was held in Kolkata yesterday and the franchises made the most of this opportunity to add to their strength for the upcoming tournament. While some were busy bolstering their batting ranks, the others were looking for the best young players to find the right combination in the middle for a long time to come in the future. The same was the case for the franchisee from North India, Kings XI Punjab. They went into IPL 2020 with a very aggressive mindset and got the players they wanted.
The lions did not have a very good campaign in the last term and are looking for the right player to lead their side out in the middle, which they seem to have already found in the form of Indian opener KL Rahul. However, after their success at the IPL 2020 auction, they are looking like a very well-balanced squad.
The dashing right-hander is now a household name, thanks to his batting prowess at the top of the order in both the formats of limited over cricket. In the absence of Ravichandran Ashwin, who was released by the Kings at the end of the 2019 edition of the IPL, the former Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman-wicketkeeper has been given the responsibility to lead his side onto the field in the IPL 2020 tournament.
However, as we all know, captaining the IPL team could take a toll on even the best in the business and we have seen even the best players falter in this tournament while leading their sides. In this scenario, it is good to keep a few players handy to step up in case the captain comes under fire and Kings XI Punjab, who have a fairly inexperienced player captaining their side for the upcoming tournament.
Here are a few candidates whom the Kings can consider in case they are looking for an alternate option as a captain.
1. Glenn Maxwell
It is a sort of homecoming for the former Kings XI Punjab all-rounder. The Aussie has been their former captain and could be an appropriate candidate to lead the side in case of any changes in the leadership by the team think tank. An explosive batsman, a superb fielder, and a capable off-spinner, Maxwell is one of the best in the business when it comes to the shortest format of the game. However, it is to be seen how he fares with the pressure of captaining the side if the responsibility to lead the side is on him in the future as far as Kings XI Punjab are concerned.
2. Chris Gayle
One of the most explosive batsmen in the world, the player might be well past his prime but has the capability to cook up a storm on his day. Now that it is all about enjoying the game for the big man from the Caribbean, the Kings XI Punjab think tank can look to put the responsibility of leading the side on his shoulders in case there is a requirement. However, they should also keep in the back of their minds that this responsibility should not become a burden for the veteran southpaw.
3. Mayank Agarwal
Yes, it might raise a few eyebrows but the player can well be a good option for the position of captaincy in case his teammate from the Indian national team faces a problem or two leading the side. Known for his cool attitude on an off the field and his temperament while guiding his way to the big scores as he did against West Indies in the recently concluded Test series, the Indian batsman could come very handy for the Kings XI Punjab franchise if they opt for him for the captain’s position.
