With the appointment of Anil Kumble as the Director Kings XI Punjab already gave a hint of overhauling the core of the team. The latest news making headlines is the release of Ravichandran Ashwin from Punjab. Ashwin will be seen donning Delhi Capital jersey next season. On the other hand, Punjab must be focusing on finalizing the player’s list with the auction to be held on December 19. Following are the three overseas players that KXIP team management must be having a serious discussion over.
David Miller
David Miller is a famous name in IPL. He has been an aggressive middle-order batsman in the league who has the potential to gather enough run on the board. But last season saw him failing multiple times at the crucial situations. Miller had a strike rate of 129.87 and a paltry batting average of 29.62 as he managed to accumulate only 213 runs in 10 matches with his highest score in the last season being 59 runs. With the revamp mode on there are chances of the Punjab side releasing Miller for better options available.
Hardus Viljoen
Another South African player who might fail to stay with the Kings XI Punjab for a longer period is the fast bowler Hardus Viljoen. The right-arm pacer was picked up by the Punjab side for ₹75 lakhs. In the previous season, he was not in his good form. He picked only seven wickets in six matches and that too with an economy rate of 9.65 and at an average of 31.71. His best bowling figure last season was 2/39. With the availability of fresh youngsters, Punjab can think of releasing this Proteas as well.
Andrew Tye
Andrew Tye ended 2018 IPL season as the winner of Purple Cap. But in IPL 2019 he looked lost in most of the times. He played only six matches and with his poor economy rate of 10.59 was dropped in most of the games. Even his average read 77.77 and a strike rate of 44. Punjab can easily boast of a number of quality players in the side Mohammed Shami being one of the premium pacers and overseas options like Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Sam Curran etc. So letting go Tye should not hurt Punjab much.
