Kings have to defy odds

For all the promise that Kings XI Punjab displayed in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League, the franchisee has failed to live up to the expectations. Their 2008 run to the semifinal stage is still their best finish, and thereafter have been unable to cross the league stage. HT reports. Trying to shed the also-ran tag

For all the promise that Kings XI Punjab displayed in the inaugural edition of the Indian Premier League, the franchisee has failed to live up to the expectations. Their 2008 run to the semifinal stage is still their best finish, and thereafter have been unable to cross the league stage.

On paper, Kings XI perhaps are the weakest team of the nine franchisees, with no high-profile Indian player. But with the retired Australian star Adam Gilchrist at the helm of the team, they can be expected to spring a surprise or two.

Their batting line-up is spearheaded by Aussies David Hussey and Shaun Marsh.

However, it's the presence of experienced Azhar Mahmood that adds a fine balance to the team.

Kings XI will expect Mahmood to play the lead role in the campaign.

The bowling front has major Indian presence. In pacers Praveen Kumar and Parvinder Awana they have fine new ball bowlers, while leg-spinner Piyush Chawla too is capable of playing a key role.