Friday, April 17, 2009

PREVIEW OF KINGS XI PUNJAB FOR IPL 2009

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Strengths
With a batting line-up comprising of Yuvraj Singh, Kumar Sangakkara, Simon Katich, Mahela Jayawardene and Shaun Marsh amongst others, the Mohali franchise shouldn't struggle to score runs.

Weaknesses
With Shantha Sreesanth and Jerome Taylor out injured, the bowling attack looks more than a touch light. Added to a shear lack of numbers, Brett Lee is returning from a long injury break and will be with the Australian national team for much of the competition, while Burt Cockley is untested in this format (or level). Emergency signing Yusuf Abdulla should add some weight to the attack.

Likely hit

Yuvraj Singh - With key man Marsh and the experienced Lee set to miss a large chunk of the series, Yuvraj will need to be at his peak with bat, ball and tactical prowess.

Likely Flop
Shaun Marsh - Perhaps a bit harsh, but in comparison to his contribution in the inaugural IPL, anything this time around is going to seem like a failure, and as the Australian will be away on national duty for much of the tournament his impact will be limited.

Prediction
The loss of James Hopes, Lee and Marsh will come as a big blow to the set-up, one that they probably won't be able to recover from sufficiently to make the semi-finals.

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