Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) - IPL 5 Analysis
Kings XI Punjab is perhaps the most underachieving team in IPL. Barring a semi final spot in the first edition, the team struggled to make any impact in the three subsequent editions. Though, after hitting an all time low in 2010 they showed tremendous improvement in 2011, missing out on a semi final spot by mere 2 points. This season they dug themselves into a hole with some poor performances at the start. However, they recovered quite well and were within striking distance of entering the play-offs but struck out instead.
| Opposition | Matches | Wins | Losses | N/R | Wins (%) |
| v CSK | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100% |
| v DC | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 100% |
| v DD | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0% |
| v KKR | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50% |
| v MI | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50% |
| v PWI | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50% |
| v RCB | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 50% |
| v RR | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0% |
Hits:
David Hussey:
With Gilchrist injured, David Hussey stepped up and led KXIP. He was instrumental in them stringing together a few victories. His batting was as impressive as his captaincy. Often the one to dig KXIP out of a hole, Hussey was KXIP's most successful batsman. His turn around potential of 22.54% shows that he was the one to soak all the pressure.
Azhar Mahmood:
The Pakistani now British citizen Mahmood made a late entrance, but breathed new life into the KXIP team. Both with bat and ball, Mahmood was quite a revelation. He brought all his T-20 experience into play and picked up 14 wickets in 11 matches. His contribution with the ball was what kept KXIP in the game in most matches. Our stats certainly suggest so.
Flops:
Paul Valthaty:
Unimpressive to say the least. After his century in the previous season, a lot was expected from him. Far from delivering the moon, he could barely deliver double figures.
Praveen Kumar:
Though he was quite economical, PK failed to pick up wickets. Just 6 wickets in 16 overs don’t do justice to his talent. Not a complete flop, but still not penetrative enough for a new ball bowler. So though his economic efficiency is good, his wicket taking efficiency is below par.
Surprises:
Parvinder Awana:
The highest wicket-taker for Delhi in the Ranji season, Awana ended up being KXIP’s strike bowler. He ended up with 17 wickets to his name and a spot in the India A squad. Our stats suggest his average, strike rate, economy and wicket taking efficiency were above match standards.
Gurkeerat Mann Singh:
Not much was known about this lad. But his supporting role alongside David Hussey made him quite a famous bloke. Scripting an almost improbable win for KXIP, Gurkeerat shone whenever he got the chance.