4 players KXIP might release next season

The Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) franchise worked with new team management in IPL 2020. The team, headed by coach Anil Kumble, had KL Rahul as their new captain this season. However, a change in team and team management failed to turn their fortune. Punjab tasted defeat in the first 6 of 7 matches played. However, they managed to win the next 5 games in a row. This, although, was not enough for qualification as Punjab failed yet again to win the trophy.

One of the major reasons for Punjab’s dismal performance was the inability of some of their key players to deliver. Here we look at 4 such key players who failed to make an impact this season:

1. Glenn Maxwell

KXIP bagged Maxwell at a whopping 10.75 cr this season. Anil Kumble had faith in the Aussie, believing he would show heroics similar to those at Mumbai Indians. Things, however, were never on track with Maxwell. He managed to score only 108 runs in 13 games, with a below-par strike rate of 101.88.

With KXIP looking to acquire alternatives, it is likely that Maxwell could leave the team next season. This would also help KXIP with their finances, as it will allow them to bid for some other quality players in the upcoming auction.

2. Jimmy Neesham

Punjab bought Neesham as they needed reinforcements in the all-rounder department. However, Neesham felt more like a liability at best. However, Neesham was unable to make it to the playing XI in the initial part of the season. Even when he started, later on, he failed to impress.

In 5 matches, Neesham only took 2 wickets, averaging at an economy of just 9.89. With such a poor performance, Punjab might want to offload Neesham to acquire another foreign player.

3. Krishnappa Gowtham

With an 8 wicket haul and a century up to his sleeve, Gowtham looked terrific in the KPL. KXIP finally acquired Gowtham in IPL 2020 hoping that he would display similar heroics. However, Gotham managed to play only 2 games in the entire season. He scored 42 runs in total and bagged only 2 wickets, with a costly economy of 10.5. Owing to his recent display in the IPL 2020, things look bleak for Gowtham in KXIP.

4. Karun Nair

Only the second Indian after Virender Sehwag to hit 300 runs in a test inning, Karun Nair has been a KXIP player for a long time. Nair’s performance was below par, scoring only 16 runs in just 4 games. With an average of just 4 and Chris Gayle in the team, it is likely that Karun Nair will only warm the bench.

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