Kings XI Punjab are considering roping in South Africa opening batsman Hashim Amla for the rest of the IPL 2016. The right-handed batsman is in line to replace Shaun Marsh, according to an ESPNCricinfo report, .
Marsh was ruled out of the IPL 2016 die to a back injury. This was a huge blow for KXIP as the Australian batsman was one of the highest run getters for the franchise in the current edition of the IPL.
Amla is a seasoned T20 campaigner. He has played 88 T20 matches so far and has scored 2446 runs at an average of 31.35. He also has a healthy strike rate of 125.95.
The Proteas opening batsman scored 120 runs in four matches during the ICC World T20 2016, which included half-centuries against Sri Lanka and England. His strike-rate of 134.83 was impressive during the campaign.
However, it will be a bit of a risk for Kings XI Punjab as Amla has not played in the IPL before. He was in the auction pool but none of the franchises bought the talented batsman.
As injuries continue to hit the franchises across the board, the unsold players at the IPL 2016 Player Auction are finding favour. As of now, as many as nine players have been ruled out of IPL 2016 so far.
Reports also suggest that Amla has got clearance and is all set to make his IPL debut, once he joins up with the Kings XI Punjab team.
KXIP, who showed signs of life with an impressive win last time around, will be boosted with Amla's inclusion in their ranks.
