Having played five games in the 2020 Dream11 Indian Premier League, Kings XI Punjab find themselves at the wrong end of the table with just one win so far in the competition. As reiterated by star batsman Mandeep Singh, the franchise now needs to win seven out of the remaining nine matches to stand a chance of qualifying for the semifinals.
With the tournament in such a crunch position for Kings XI Punjab, one can expect a few changes in their line-up, especially in the overseas players department. Chris Gayle and Mujeeb ur Rahman- both of whom have been marquee players for KXIP since the past two seasons, are yet to feature for the franchise in 2020, and batting coach Wasim Jaffer provided an update on the same.
“It should happen soon. As I said, it needs to happen sooner than later. We don’t want to bring them when every game is a must win game. Hopefully, we will have those guys featuring soon,” said Jaffer in an interview to a leading Indian publication, speaking on the inclusion of Gayle and Mujeeb in the team.
The KXIP batting coach added that Chris Gayle has been looking in fine form in the nets, timing the ball well and clearing the fence with ease. “Chris looks very much ready and is keen to get on to the park, he has been training really well and has looked really good in the nets.
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“He is such an impact player, we all know what he can do. I hope he turns up and turns it on straightaway and changes the tide for all of us. He looks hungry and that is a very good sign for the franchise.”
“I am hoping he plays quickly. We need match-winners, as many as possible. Not just for the next game, also for the rest of the tournament as he can easily win you four-five games on his own,” added Jaffer.
If Gayle and Mujeeb are to be included, then the team combination would have to be rejigged considerably given the rule of having only four overseas players. Nicholas Pooran has been firing with the bat and Sheldon Cottrell has performed well in the powerplay overs, so if Gayle is to be included in the team, it would call for selection headaches, and that is something Jaffer and the rest of the KXIP management are very much aware about.
“We obviously need Maxwell to fire. That is a tricky one, choosing the four overseas players. We got some time off and we will put our mind to it if Gayle and Mujeeb come in, who will make way for them,” concluded Jaffer in that interview.
