{"id":7172,"date":"2018-12-20T23:48:07","date_gmt":"2018-12-20T18:18:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kyrosports.com\/?p=7172"},"modified":"2018-12-20T23:48:07","modified_gmt":"2018-12-20T18:18:07","slug":"ipl-2019-strengths-weaknesses-and-strategies-of-teams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kyrosports.com\/ipl-2019-strengths-weaknesses-and-strategies-of-teams\/","title":{"rendered":"IPL 2019: Strengths, Weaknesses and Strategies Of Teams"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 auction got over in a spectacular fashion in Jaipur on Tuesday.\u00a0IPL 2018&#8217;s costliest Indian, Jaydev Unadkat, became the joint-most expensive buy this time around. He along with Varun Chakravarthy bagged Rs 8.40 crore each.<\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sam Curran ended up as the costliest overseas player. The IPL 2019 Auction was a huge success for the uncapped Indian players. Also many West Indian young guns found takers.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/kyrosports.com\/ipl-2019-shivam-dube-varun-chakravarthy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">All about Shivam Dube and Varun Chakravarthy<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-weight: 400;\">351 players had gone under the hammer. 70 slots were available across 8 teams and 60 got filled in the event on Tuesday. Teams looked satisfied with the deals they got in as they covered the areas needed to bolster the depth.<\/p>\n<p>Here are the strengths, weaknesses and strategies of teams post IPL 2019 Auction.<\/p>\n<h2>Chennai Super Kings<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Players bought in the auction:<\/strong> Mohit Sharma &#8211; Rs 5 crore, Ruturaj Gaikwad &#8211; Rs 20 lakh.<br \/>\n<strong>Complete squad:<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">The <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Yellove?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#Yellove<\/a> Brigade! \ud83e\udd81\ud83d\udc9b<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/PrideOf19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#PrideOf19<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/WhistlePodu?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#WhistlePodu<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/KxNEjKba15\" target=\"_blank\">pic.twitter.com\/KxNEjKba15<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ChennaiIPL\/status\/1075070396188131328?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">December 18, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<strong>Strengths:<\/strong>\u00a0The squad led by the evergreen MS Dhoni is rich in terms of the favour and it has all the right ingredients of repeating last season&#8217;s success.\u00a0CSK showed in 2018 that experience is key and they have stuck to the basics in order to trust the winning squad.<br \/>\nThe purchase of former player Mohit adds cover to a glittering bowling unit at their disposal. The team is versatile in nature. They have all the senior men, who know their roles well and are serious winners. The youth in the team have stood up under MSD.<br \/>\nSuresh Raina and MS hold the trump cards for the vision they bring to this side.<br \/>\n<strong>Weaknesses:<\/strong> CSK do not have any to be honest. They were well planned and had a sorted auction.<br \/>\n<strong>Strategies for IPL 2019:<\/strong>\u00a0Expect the side to play with the gusto they showed last season. They are the defending champions and the comeback of Kedar Jadhav and Mitchell Santner boosts them further. They are the favourites for the 12th edition of the event.<\/p>\n<h2>Sunrisers Hyderabad<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Players bought in the auction:<\/strong> Wriddhiman Saha &#8211; Rs 1.20 crore, Jonny Bairstow &#8211; 2.20 crore, Martin Guptill &#8211; 1 crore.<br \/>\n<strong>Complete squad:<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\"><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/OrangeArmy?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#OrangeArmy<\/a>, here\u2019s our entire squad for <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/IPL2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#IPL2019<\/a> \ud83e\udde1 We believe that we can achieve greatness with this team. Raise your hands if you stand with us \ud83d\ude4b\u200d\u2642\ufe0f\ud83d\ude4b\u200d\u2640\ufe0f<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/StrongerThanEver?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#StrongerThanEver<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/SabseKirakHyderabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#SabseKirakHyderabad<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/5b5cTcPuA7\" target=\"_blank\">pic.twitter.com\/5b5cTcPuA7<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/SunRisers\/status\/1075073209886695424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">December 18, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<strong>Strengths:<\/strong>\u00a0The IPL 2018 finalists sees skipper David Warner come back for the new season. His presence upfront is crucial. Even if he will depart after April end, they have Kiwi international Kane Williamson to lead them. He was brilliant last season.<br \/>\nIn Shakib Al Hasan, they have a world class all-rounder.\u00a0SRH got in quality players to add finesse to the top order. The charismatic Bairstow poses threat and Guptill adds the depth from the bench. Their bowling is superb and perhaps the best unit in the IPL. They have a dearth of Indian bowlers and look spited for choices.<br \/>\nAfghan sensation Rashid Khan leads the show in the spin department.<br \/>\n<strong>Weaknesses:<\/strong> SRH hardly have any weaknesses. Perhaps, they lack a finisher. But they can use the versatility of Jonny Bairstow to good effect. Expect the team to be rotated wisely.<br \/>\n<strong>Strategies for IPL 2019:<\/strong>\u00a0Like CSK, they went into the auction in a composed fashion. It&#8217;s a happy camp and expect them to rely on their bowling more to get the job done.<\/p>\n<h2>Delhi Capitals<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Players bought in the auction:<\/strong> Hanuma Vihari &#8211; Rs 2 crore, Axar Patel &#8211; Rs 5 crore, Ishant Sharma &#8211; Rs 1.10 crore, Ankush Bains &#8211; Rs 20 lakh, Colin Ingram &#8211; Rs 6.4 crore, Sherfane Rutherford &#8211; Rs 2 crore, Keemo Paul &#8211; Rs 50 lakh, Jalaj Saxena &#8211; Rs 20 lakh, Bandaru Ayyappa &#8211; Rs 20 lakh.<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/kyrosports.com\/ipl-2019-benefits-dhawans-move-dd-srh\/\">https:\/\/kyrosports.com\/ipl-2019-benefits-dhawans-move-dd-srh\/<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>Complete squad:<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"ca\" dir=\"ltr\">Dilliwalon, This. Is. Delhi Capitals. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ThisIsNewDelhi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#ThisIsNewDelhi<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/4yHTayamxJ\" target=\"_blank\">pic.twitter.com\/4yHTayamxJ<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Delhi Capitals (@DelhiCapitals) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DelhiCapitals\/status\/1075282042957361152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">December 19, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<strong>Strengths:<\/strong>\u00a0Delhi went with a change in their name and also a change in personnel. They restored a strong core of players and the addition of Shikhar Dhawan in the trade window helped them.<br \/>\nDC&#8217;s biggest positive is the batting. They have solid Indian players to get the side going. The addition of Colin Ingram sorts the issues in middle order. Along with Morris, the Proteas man will be expected to give that finishing touch in the death overs when the team needs acceleration.<br \/>\nThe bowling has the shape with Trent Boult and Sandeep Lamichhane in the mix. Kagiso Rabada could finally add that serious pace as well. The all-round department has dearth of quality. Harshal Patel could aid the side with his brilliance in all three departments.<br \/>\n<strong>Weaknesses:<\/strong> DC cannot afford to replicate IPL 2018 performance. Their pace bowling lacks the overall composure, especially with the Indian players on offer. Ishant Sharma hasn&#8217;t played IPL and limited-overs cricket since quite sometime. But apart from that they look solid on paper.<br \/>\n<strong>Strategies for IPL 2019:<\/strong>\u00a0DC will be confident to chase and set targets with the line-up they have. DC need to find the right balance which was missing in IPL 11.<\/p>\n<h2>Rajasthan Royals<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Players bought in the auction:<\/strong> Jaydev Unadkat &#8211; Rs 8.40 crore, Varun Aaron &#8211; Rs 2.40 crore, Oshane Thomas &#8211; Rs 1.10 crore, Shashank Singh &#8211; Rs 30 lakh, Liam Livingstone &#8211; Rs 50 lakh, Shubham Ranjane &#8211; Rs 20 lakh, Manan Vohra &#8211; Rs 20 lakh, Ashton Turner &#8211; Rs 50 lakh, Riyan Parag &#8211; Rs 20 lakh.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Our Royal family just got bigger and stronger \ud83d\udcaa! <br \/>Know more: <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/KamNWurRag\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/t.co\/KamNWurRag<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/JoinTheFamily?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#JoinTheFamily<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/IPLAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#IPLAuction<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/AldKc7LgQG\" target=\"_blank\">pic.twitter.com\/AldKc7LgQG<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/rajasthanroyals\/status\/1075361597277630465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">December 19, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<strong>Rest of the squad:\u00a0<\/strong>Ajinkya Rahane, Krishnappa Gowtham, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Gopal, Aryaman Birla, Sudhesan Midhun, Prashant Chopra, Stuart Binny, Rahul Tripathi, Dhawal Kulkarni, Mahipal Lomror, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Steve Smith, Jofra Archer, Ish Sodhi.<br \/>\n<strong>Strengths:<\/strong>\u00a0RR will have Steve Smith back and that&#8217;s a positive sign. They have the dangerous Jos Buttler and he could be the impetus in giving the side the blistering starts.<br \/>\nTheir bowling looks stronger now and has the depth in pace department. They have shown faith in Jaydev Unadkat and Varun Aaron has regained his mojo.<br \/>\nKrishnappa Gowtham holds the card for this side. Jofra Archer is a match-winner on his given day.<br \/>\n<strong>Weaknesses:<\/strong> What happens when Smith and the English duo of Buttler and Stokes leave for the World Cup preparations? They could be hit hard especially if the new foreign stars do not deliver. Also besides Stokes, they don&#8217;t have the serious depth of all-rounders.\u00a0At times RR could get stuck due to this.<br \/>\n<strong>Strategies for IPL 2019:<\/strong>\u00a0They will have to perform consistently and the star names need to come out stronger. They need to collect points from the early onstage.<\/p>\n<h2>Kolkata Knight Riders<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Players bought in the auction:<\/strong>\u00a0Carlos Brathwaite &#8211; Rs 5 crore, Lockie Ferguson &#8211; Rs 1.60 crore, Anrich Nortje &#8211; Rs 20 lakh, Nikhil Naik &#8211; Rs 20 lakh, Harry Gurney &#8211; Rs 75 lakh, Prithvi Raj Yarra &#8211; Rs 20 lakh, Joe Denly &#8211; Rs 1 crore, Shrikant Mundhe &#8211; Rs 20 lakh.<br \/>\n<strong>Complete squad:<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">This is what the purple and gold brigade looks like for <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/IPL2019?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#IPL2019<\/a> ! \ud83d\udc9c<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ComeHome2KKR?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#ComeHome2KKR<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/IPLAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#IPLAuction<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/KorboLorboJeetbo?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#KorboLorboJeetbo<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/gtd87dyM3e\" target=\"_blank\">pic.twitter.com\/gtd87dyM3e<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/KKRiders\/status\/1075116095462301697?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">December 18, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<strong>Strengths:<\/strong>\u00a0KKR are a side banking on a lot of all-round quality and youngsters. They have strong sets of individuals that can win the side games. The new look pace attack could add to the spark.\u00a0Joe Denly in particular is a superb addition. Also the recent form of Shubman Gill is notable.<br \/>\nThey have three potential match winners in Sunil Narine, Andre Russell and Carlos Brathwaite. The spin trio is as good as it can be. Denly adds more firepower. The new found pace attack boasts of serious quick bowling.<br \/>\n<strong>Weaknesses:<\/strong>\u00a0The batting upfront looks short. Once Lynn departs for WC duties, they will need to shape up. Also the inconsistency of several top players could be a worry. A lot will be on the table for Dinesh Karthik. Rinku Singh is a weak link and the form of Robin Uthappa could be a concern. Also the pace attack lacks the experience. So that&#8217;s unknown territory.<br \/>\n<strong>Strategies for IPL 2019:<\/strong>\u00a0They will count on youngsters to gain vitality. The leadership of Dinesh Karthik will aid them.<\/p>\n<h2>Mumbai Indians<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Players bought in the auction:\u00a0<\/strong>Lasith Malinga &#8211; Rs 2 crore, Anmolpreet Singh &#8211; Rs 80 lakh, Barinder Sran &#8211; Rs 3.40 crore, Pankaj Jaiswal &#8211; Rs 20 lakh, Rasikh Dar &#8211; Rs 20 lakh, Yuvraj Singh &#8211; Rs 1 crore.<br \/>\n<strong>Complete squad:<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Bigger, better, MIghtier \ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udcaa<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/CricketMeriJaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#CricketMeriJaan<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/IPLAuction?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#IPLAuction<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/OwyBd4lRuF\" target=\"_blank\">pic.twitter.com\/OwyBd4lRuF<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/mipaltan\/status\/1075082760774049792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">December 18, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<strong>Strengths:<\/strong>\u00a0MI are a side that has a solid base and can cause trouble for oppositions. They have plenty of firepower and the all-round show is what they will look to count upon.<br \/>\nThe bowling is way stronger than previous season and MI&#8217;s core is their biggest attribute no matter who comes in and goes out. They have that chunk that won them the titles.<br \/>\nThe side will rely on its core and the understanding of the players would define them. Lasith Malinga could have one last hurrah and Barinder Sran provides the depth from the bench. It&#8217;s a packed show this.<br \/>\n<strong>Weaknesses:<\/strong>\u00a0They have taken a huge risk with Quinton de Kock and Yuvraj Singh. Both were inconsistent and struggled for runs. Consistency is what MI batsmen will need as they are slow starters.<br \/>\nThe middle order lacks the cutting edge. A lot would rely on the Pandya brothers and Kieron Pollard for the swiftness in the middle. The latter looks like in the twilight of his career.<br \/>\n<strong>Strategies for IPL 2019:<\/strong>\u00a0They will hope to start well this time and Rohit Sharma will hope to be spot on with the team selection and positions.<\/p>\n<h2>Royal Challengers Bangalore<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Players bought in the auction: <\/strong>Shimron Hetmyer &#8211; Rs 4.20 crore, Gurkeerat Singh &#8211; Rs 50 lakh, Devdutt Padikal &#8211; Rs 20 lakh, Shivam Dube &#8211; Rs 5 crore, Heinrich Klaasen &#8211; Rs 50 lakh, Himmat Singh &#8211; Rs 65 lakh, Milind Kumar &#8211; Rs 20 lakh, Prayas Barman &#8211; Rs 1.50 crore, Akshdeep Nath &#8211; Rs 3.60 crore.<br \/>\n<strong>Complete squad:<\/strong><br \/>\nhttps:\/\/twitter.com\/RCBTweets\/status\/1075060196727083008<br \/>\n<strong>Strengths:<\/strong>\u00a0RCB have strengthened well in all-round department. They will count on several Indian faces to come good. The bowling looks sorted and there is quality in the middle. A well balanced side under Virat Kohli this time awaits RCB fans.<br \/>\nThe middle order gets more protection and they have addressed this position well after lacking the same last season.\u00a0Some strong utility players like Hetmyer and Dube could bring the solidity needed. The bowling looks strong and able to cause issues for opposition teams.<br \/>\nThis time they won&#8217;t have shortage of bowlers while playing and can count on the variety of all-rounders.<br \/>\n<strong>Weaknesses:<\/strong>\u00a0They have fewer issues as compared to previous seasons. The opening options though are a worry. They lack the base there.\u00a0They traded out Quinton de Kock and released Brendon McCullum. But the side hasn&#8217;t replaced them. So Kohli will need to open with Parthiv Patel.<br \/>\nThe question comes in what if the pair doesn&#8217;t click? Is Heinrich Klaasen a good makeshift option? Something they should have addressed better.<br \/>\n<strong>Strategies for IPL 2019:<\/strong>\u00a0A lot will revolve around Kohli and AB de Villiers. Indian all-rounders will be counted upon to have a say in the middle overs.<\/p>\n<h2>Kings XI Punjab<\/h2>\n<p><strong>Players bought in the auction:<\/strong><\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\">\n<p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Chak de Phatte!\ud83d\ude4c <\/p>\n<p>With new additions, <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/SaddaSquad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#SaddaSquad<\/a> just got more special!<\/p>\n<p>Welcoming all our Sheras to the Lions&#39; Den!\ud83e\udd81<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CurranSM?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@CurranSM<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MdShami11?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@MdShami11<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Mozzie21?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@Mozzie21<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Hardus_Vilj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@Hardus_Vilj<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Darshane?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@Darshane<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/sarfankhan97?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@sarfankhan97<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/AshwinMurugan8?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@AshwinMurugan8<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/KXIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#KXIP<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/NmknqcF83O\" target=\"_blank\">pic.twitter.com\/NmknqcF83O<\/a><\/p>\n<p>&mdash; Punjab Kings (@PunjabKingsIPL) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/PunjabKingsIPL\/status\/1075328838089854976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">December 19, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<strong>Rest of the squad:\u00a0<\/strong>Lokesh Rahul, Chris Gayle, Andrew Tye, Mayank Agarwal, Ankit Rajpoot, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Karun Nair, David Miller, Ravichandran Ashwin, Mandeep Singh(traded)<br \/>\n<strong>Strengths:<\/strong>\u00a0KXIP have a dream opening option and they could exploit situations to their liking. Stroke players like Mayank and Karun have the credentials to put in the shift. Miller is a sound customer and the familiar force of Mandeep Singh can give them the versatility.<br \/>\nThe bowling looks strong as well. They went for another overhaul and some decent players came in. There is a lot of youth in the team and that can propel them to give it all.<br \/>\nThe side has a dream spin trio and expect the likes of R Ashwin, Varun and Mujeeb ur Rahman to play a major role throughout. Sam Curran is a stellar buy and Nicholas Pooran will get the license to attack.<br \/>\n<strong>Weaknesses:<\/strong>\u00a0Still aplenty. They lack depth in batting and a genuine finisher is missing as well. Last season the side struggled in the middle and were over dependent on the openers. A similar threat awaits them. Too many youngsters for their liking and some looked desperate purchases.<br \/>\nThe lack of bench strength could hurt them.<br \/>\n<strong>Strategies for IPL 2019:<\/strong>\u00a0They will hope to click with bat and ball on a consistent basis. Too many costly players roped in. The pressure needs to be handled well. Ashwin needs to show his experience.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019 auction got over in a spectacular fashion in Jaipur on Tuesday.\u00a0IPL 2018&#8217;s costliest Indian, Jaydev Unadkat, became the joint-most expensive buy this time around. He along with Varun Chakravarthy bagged Rs 8.40 crore each. Sam Curran ended up as the costliest overseas player. The IPL 2019 Auction was a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7187,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[60,575,41,1604,576,587,568,546,573,570],"tags":[229,238,230,138,1660,1642,330,174,1549,1519,1584,1643,1661,233,259,240,241,260,522,89,177,219,255,256,448,1119,251,107,252,1662,72],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyrosports.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7172"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyrosports.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyrosports.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyrosports.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyrosports.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7172"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kyrosports.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7172\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyrosports.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/7187"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kyrosports.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7172"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyrosports.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=7172"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kyrosports.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=7172"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}