After experiencing a brilliant season in 2014, where they reached the finals of the IPL, Kings XI Punjab have been in a constant state of decline. The franchise has finished at the bottom of the pile for two season and are now looking forward to turn a leaf in the 2017 edition of the IPL.
The Chandigarh based franchised had an awful 2016 campaign and are the team which have highest amount of money left to spend. The players which they have retained include David Miller, captain Murali Vijay, Manan Vohra, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, bowlers Mohit Sharma and Sandeep Sharma. They have 23.35 crore to spend and have retained 24 players.
Strategy in the 2017 auctions
To reverse their fortunes, Punjab definitely need an overhaul of their bowling attack. They have one of the poorest bowling units in the IPL. To fill the gaping hole of a pace spearhead, they might go all out to sign South African pace sensation Kagiso Rabada. They also need a quality spinner to compliment spin bowling all-rounder Axar Patel. To have any hopes of a good tournament, Punjab will have to buy shrewdly in the bowling department.
Punjab also need an opener to compliment Murali Vijay at the top of the order. For this, they might go all out for either Alex Hales or Jason Roy of England.
Punjab have also lay heavy emphasis on domestic buys and with an all-Indian coaching staff in place, expect this strategy to continue, where they will be hoping to unearth a couple of gems.
This auction will determine whether Kings XI Punjab make any improvements from previous years.
