After yet another disappointg season, Kings XI Punjab are more likely to release their most expensive buys ahead of next year's auction. Reports suggest that the owners are likely to let go Glenn Maxwell and Sheldon Cottrell in the auction pool. The international stars struggled throughout the season and failed to deliver even one match-winning performance. Maxwell, who was bought by KXIP for Rs 10.75 crore, only managed 108 runs (off 106 balls) and 3 wickets. Surprisingly, he failed to clear the fence even once.Cottrell, who was bought for Rs 8.5 crore, only scalped six wickets in as many matches. While the team management backed Maxwell to the hilt, Cottrell sat out for 8 matches.
On the other hand, the owners are likely to stick with the pair of captain, KL Rahul, and Director of Cricket Operations, Anil Kumble. Speaking to PTI, a source said that the owners are happy with the duo and that they have identified the core group around which the team will revolve. “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 play-offs," the source told PTI. “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 Punjab side, had a poor run in the first half, where they only managed one win in first seven matches. However, in the second half KXIP upped their performance and won five matches to almost qualify for the next round.
