KXIP expects a defining moment in the IPL 2021 after releasing nine players ahead of the mini-auction. Kings XI Punjab is one of the teams that are yet to win an Indian Premier League trophy. The team finished sixth on the points table last season. Punjab could not qualify for the play-offs as their marquee overseas players didn't have a good season. After a poor season last year, KXIP decided to start a rebuilding process.
The franchise has a very solid top-order with players like Chris Gayle, KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal and Nicholas Pooran. However, they lack a specialist finisher in the team. KXIP might spend some hefty amount on an overseas pacer in the upcoming auctions.
As Punjab released some of their most prominent overseas players from their squad on retention day., the team has now advanced their balance purse to INR 53.2 crore. KXIP will enter the IPL 2021 auction with the most oversized balance purse.
Let's take a look at three players that Punjab can target ahead of the new season:
1) Alex Carey
Alex Carey can be a wise buy if the Mohali-based franchise wants to strengthen their middle-order in the upcoming season of the IPL. The Australian wicketkeeper-batsman impressed everyone with his performance in the Big Bash League. This has increased his chances of getting picked by any franchise ahead of IPL 2021. Carey was a part of Delhi Capitals and played only three matches last year.
2) Kedar Jadhav
Chennai Super Kings have also released some of their leading players ahead of IPL's 14th season. Batsman Kedar Jadhav was one of them. He smashed an unbeaten knock of 84 off 45 balls in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy this month. Jadhav struggled with the bat in the previous edition, but he can be a handy buy if KXIP acquires his services. The middle-order batsman can turn out to be a valuable addition for the Punjab squad.
3) Steve Smith
After Glenn Maxwell's release, KXIP frees up an overseas slot and a batting option in the middle-order. Punjab might need a star batsman like Steve Smith in their squad. The Australian batsman could fit in at No. 3 or 4 depending on KXIP's batting line-up. The pitch at Mohali will suit his style of batting as well, and he can also bring in a lot of experience. With KXIP having five overseas slots available, they can target Smith in the upcoming auctions.
