Former Indian opener Sunil Gavaskar has picked his ideal playing XI for Kings XI Punjab in the ongoing IPL 2020. Gavaskar wants captain KL Rahul to open the innings with Universe Boss, Chris Gayle. Rahul has been consistent in the last few seasons of the IPL and he has scored 1977 runs in 67 IPL matches at an impressive average of 42.06.
Gayle, is the highest run-getter in the T20 format, and he has scored 4484 runs in 125 IPL matches. The Little Master has backed Mayank Agarwal to bat at one down. The Karnataka batsman has scored 1270 runs in 77 IPL matches and thus he is yet to grab his opportunities in the IPL.
Gavaskar wants Nicholas Pooran to bat at number four for Kings XI Punjab. The southpaw has impressed with his pyrotechnics and he has scored 168 runs in seven IPL matches.
The former Indian captain backed youngster Sarfaraz Khan to bat at number five. Khan has scored 408 runs in 33 IPL matches at an average of 27.2. The in-form Glenn Maxwell bats at number six for Gavaskar. Maxwell had scored a fine century in the final ODI against England and he has amassed 1397 runs in 69 IPL matches.
Mujeeb Ur Rahman, who has a plethora of weapons in his armoury, bats at number seven for Kings XI Punjab. Rahman has snared 17 wickets in 16 IPL matches. Gavaskar backed Mohammed Shami to be the pack leader of the team. Shami has taken 40 wickets in 49 IPL matches.
Ravi Bishnoi, who impressed one and all with skills in the Under-19 World Cup, will be second spinner of the team. Bishnoi will make his IPL debut in the ongoing season. Murugan Ashwin, who has scalped 15 wickets in 22 IPL matches, will be the third spinner for Gavaskar. Ishan Porel, who has impressed with his bowling in the domestic circuit will accompany Mohammed Shami in pace bowling attack.
Sunil Gavaskar’s ideal KXIP playing XI while talking to Sports Tak: KL Rahul (c), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran, Sarfaraz Khan, Glenn Maxwell, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Murugan Ashwin, Ishan Porel.
