Although KXIP posted a formidable total of 199 runs, courtesy of a stunning century by Wriddhiman Saha, they could not secure the title in 2014
Punjab Kings (PBKS), previously known as Kings XI Punjab (KXIP), has been a captivating presence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) since its inception in 2008. Although the franchise didn't clinch the championship, it has consistently delivered captivating performances, cultivating a dedicated fan base. It reached the playoffs twice, notably finishing as runners-up in the 2014 finals. In the following paragraphs, let's rewind and reminisce about some of the Punjab Kings' most memorable finishes in the history of the IPL.
Kings XI Punjab invested significantly in the high-stakes inaugural auction, securing marquee players Irfan Pathan and Brett Lee. Led by Yuvraj Singh, the team boasted a formidable lineup with Mahela Jayawardena and Kumar Sangakkara. Shaun Marsh emerged as the talisman, winning the Orange Cap with 616 runs from 11 matches. Santhakumaran Sreesanth led the bowling attack with 19 wickets. Despite reaching the semifinals, they faced defeat against Chennai Super Kings, ending their campaign but showcasing moments of brilliance and resilience.
Following a disappointing 2010 IPL season, Kings XI Punjab underwent a significant revamp, appointing Adam Gilchrist as captain and adding Shaun Marsh to bolster their batting lineup. Marsh and Paul Valthaty emerged as crucial contributors, amassing 504 and 463 runs, respectively. Piyush Chawla's inclusion provided crucial breakthroughs with 16 wickets. Despite individual brilliance, Kings XI Punjab missed the playoffs for the second consecutive season, unable to translate individual performances into team success.
The 2014 IPL season marked a significant turning point for KXIP, as the team underwent a major transformation, including star players like Virender Sehwag, Glenn Maxwell, and Mitchell Johnson. Led by newly appointed skipper George Bailey, KXIP started their campaign on a high note, winning all their first five games due to remarkable consistency and power-hitting, particularly from Maxwell.
Maxwell's dynamic presence in the squad had a profound impact, igniting performances from seasoned players like Sehwag and David Miller, who complemented Maxwell's aggressive style with 652 runs and proved to be formidable batting partners. The bowling unit, spearheaded by Sandeep Sharma with 18 wickets, Mitchell Johnson, and Axar Patel, operated effectively, consistently taking wickets throughout the tournament. Despite their impressive run, KXIP faced a daunting challenge in the final against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Although KXIP posted a formidable total of 199 runs, courtesy of a stunning century by Wriddhiman Saha, they could not secure
KXIP made key acquisitions like Eoin Morgan, Marcus Stoinis, and Darren Sammy to strengthen their squad for IPL 2017, aiming for success under Glenn Maxwell's leadership. Despite showing promise with seven wins and accumulating 14 points, KXIP fell short in the final crucial game against Rising Pune Supergiant, ending their campaign disappointingly by missing out on a playoff spot. Hashim Amla's consistency with 420 runs, including two centuries, stood out amidst the team's challenges, while Sandeep Sharma emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 17 wickets. Axar Patel's exceptional all-round performance, with 15 wickets and 227 runs, along with unmatched fielding prowess, highlighted his impact on KXIP's season.
