IPL: Kings XI Punjab likely to stick with Rahul, Kumble

New Delhi: Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) are likely to continue with the captain and coach combine of K L Rahul and Anil Kumble even after finishing sixth in a closely-contested 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL).

A team source told PTI that the owners want Rahul and Kumble take the team forward in the 2021 edition, scheduled in less than six months.

Rahul, who captained the team for the first time this year, had another stellar season with the bat, amassing 670 runs at an average of 55.83. It was Kumble's first season with the franchise.

KXIP, who have never had a settled unit, have finally found a core group of players around whom a team can be built.

That group includes Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Nicholas Pooran, Mohammad Shami, Chris Gayle and youngsters like Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh.

The management wants to plug the gaps in the middle order and bowling department, which has been an issue for a number of years.

"The owners are happy with captain and coach. Rahul was exceptional with the bat and team scripted a remarkable comeback in the second half of the season. Had that short run not being called in the first game (against DC), the team would have been in playoffs.

"The good thing is a core group has been identified. Gaps need to be plugged in the middle-order where the team needs a power-hitter and also a world-class fast bowler to support Shami," the source said.

After losing the six out of their first seven games, KXIP won five in a row to find themselves in contention for a play-off spot but lost their last league game to Chennai Super Kings to bow out of the competition. The last time KXIP made the playoffs was in 2014.

KXIP had paid big money for the likes of Glenn Maxwell (10.75 crore) and Sheldon Cottrell (8.5 crore) but both did not do much to write to home about, especially the Australian who made 108 runs in 13 games at 15.42. The team had bought back Maxwell after letting him go following the 2017 season.

"Their performance was not on expected lines and it will be tough to continue with them," the source added.

A call on their future will be taken at the team's review meeting.

A lot also depends on the size of the auction ahead of the 2021 edition if it is held at all. If not a mega auction, KXIP would like to have a mini auction where they can solidify their middle-order and death bowling.