Team preview: Punjab Kings (PBKS), formerly known as Kings XI Punjab, will look to improve upon their sixth-place standing in the 2021 IPL table in the final stages of the tournament.

The IPL team formerly known as Kings XI Punjab are hoping a change of name can bring about a change in fortune in 2021. Punjab Kings have never won the IPL, and have only made it past the group stage twice, in 2014, when they were beaten finalists, and in the very first tournament.

Punjab Kings IPL team preview

While their canny work at the auction table failed to yield positive results, all is not lost for Punjab Kings. For the UAE leg of the IPL 2021, Punjab Kings have made three changes. Adil Rashid, Nathan Ellis, and Aiden Markram have been brought in to replace Jhye Richardson, Riley Meredith, and Dawid Malan.

It will be important for the Punjab Kings that their openers continue their good form. KL Rahul is their highest run-getter with 331 runs at a healthy strike-rate. Mayank Agarwal has impressed with the bat for Punjab with 260 runs at a good average. They’d also hope their spin-heavy contingent to make an impact in the UAE leg.

PBKS coaching staff IPL 2021

Head coach – Anil Kumble
Assistant coach – Andy Flower
Batting coach – Wasim Jaffer
Bowling coach – Damien Wright
Fielding coach – Jonty Rhodes
Team physio – Andrew Leipus

Punjab Kings Squad list

KL Rahul (c), Mayank Agarwal, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Prabhsimran Singh, Aiden Markram, Chris Gayle, Sarfaraz Khan, Shahrukh Khan, Adil Rashid, Darshan Nalkande, Deepak Hooda, Fabian Allen, Harpreet Brar, Jalaj Saxena, Moises Henriques, Nathan Ellis, Saurabh Kumar, Utkarsh Singh, Arshdeep Singh, Chris Jordan, Ishan Porel, Mohammed Shami, Murugan Ashwin, and Ravi Bishnoi.

PBKS IPL 2021 Fixtures

21/09 — Dubai — Punjab Kings vs Rajasthan Royals, 7.30pm
25/09 — Sharjah — Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings, 7.30pm
28/09 — Abu Dhabi — Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings, 7:30pm
01/10 — Dubai — Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings, 7.30pm
03/10 — Sharjah — Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings, 3.30pm
07/10 — Dubai — Chennai Super Kings vs Punjab Kings, 3.30pm

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