Despite possessing a number of world class stars, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) have performed below par and are hence struggling in IPL 2015. They are currently placed in the last position of the IPL standings with 4 points.
KXIP are scheduled to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Monday at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. SRH, who lie fifth in the points tally, are still in the hunt for the playoff spot.
A victory in front of their home fans will take them higher in the points table and will be tied with Rajasthan Royals, who are at 14 points. But SRH will have an added advantage with a game in hand.
With the competition moving to the business end, it is the star players from both teams, who need to put their feet on the pedal and help their team win matches.
Here is a look at some key players from the match.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
David Warner – The Australian has been one of the best players of the IPL leading the team from the front. He has scored an impressive 423 runs in the tournament so far with an amazing strike rate of 156. Batting at the top of the order, the batsman has provided SRH some solid start, though the middle order has not taken full toll of the start.
Moises Henriques – The Australian all rounder has grabbed the opportunity with both hands when a chance came by to impress, as a result of which the Aussie has become an integral part of SRH. The Australian has scored some consistent scores of late coming in the middle order. He has amassed 191 runs and has played as per the situation demands and not just gone after the bowling. Apart from his batting heroics, the Australian has bowled really well with 6 wickets in the competition so far. One has to remember that the Aussie has only played six matches until now.
Kings XI Punjab
Sandeep Sharma – After a terrific start in IPL 2015, the Indian bowler may have failed to take early wickets, but is easily one of the best bowlers with the new ball in IPL 2015. It is his swing, which batsmen have failed to cope. He has taken 11 wickets from 11 matches so far with a economy rate of 6.85 per over, which is decent for a bowler who bowls when the field restrictions are on.
David Miller – The South African has failed to live up to his standards, which he had set last season, but is still one of the most dangerous player for KXIP, if he gets going. Despite his below par performance, the left hander has scored 243 runs, which makes him the highest run scorer for his team. With a highest score of 54 runs this season, the batsman has not done full justice to his batting ability. Can the Proteas' batsman make it a night to remember with the bat in his hand? Only time will tell.
