Kings XI Punjab executed its plans effectively on Thursday bringing in nine cricketers, including seven new faces, with Glenn Maxwell making his way back into the squad as did Prabhsimran Singh, spending ₹26.2 crores in the VIVO Indian Premier League auction for the 2020 season in Kolkata.

Glenn Maxwell, who last played for the franchise in 2017, was the first player KXIP went hammer and tongs for as a bidding war ensued with Delhi Capitals, who were equally keen to get him back. However, Anil Kumble showed how much he wanted the gun player back as he refused to relent from raising his paddle, eventually outlasting the Capitals to bag the Aussie for ₹10.75 crores.

A similar fate awaited Sheldon Cottrell as Kings XI Punjab chased the impressive and quick West Indian as Delhi joined in the fight again. Rajasthan Royals also had their eyes on the left-arm pacer but Kumble once again prevailed, getting him for ₹8.5 crores, 17 times over his base price.

The first part of the IPL auction saw four more players, Deepak Hooda, Ishan Porel, Ravi Bishnoi and James Neesham making their way to the squad. KXIP were involved in another back-and-forth for all-rounder Bishnoi with Mumbai Indians but got him in the end for ₹2 crores.

Kings XI Punjab were the only side to bid for Ishan Porel and James Neesham, acquiring them at their base prices of ₹20 lakhs and ₹50 lakhs respectively.

Young pacer Porel has been one of the standout players for Bengal in the domestic circles since his debut in the 2016-17 season, and also starred for India U-19s in their successful World Cup bid in 2018. Neesham was one of the key players in New Zealand’s run to the World Cup final this year.

The accelerated auction saw the addition of Chris Jordan, known for his excellent death bowling skills, for ₹3 crores after a mini-fight with Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Tajinder Singh Dhillon. Prabhsimran Singh rounded off the squad after he was bought for ₹55 lakhs.

Overall, Kings XI Punjab filled its quota of 25 players, making the total value of the squad ₹68.5 crores. The franchise had retained 14 of them initially, and brought in Jagadeesha Suchith and Krishnappa Gowtham in trade deals.