KXIP are being backed to cause an upset in IPL 2020 after naming KL Rahul as the team’s new skipper.
The Punjab-based franchise confirmed that Rahul will lead the side after they traded last season’s captain Ravichandran Ashwin to Delhi Capitals.
New leadership, as well as a busy time at the IPL Auction, has seen KXIP cut to 9.0 (8/1) with SkyBet over the weekend.
The support also follows the notable auction purchases of Glenn Maxwell for INR 10.75 crore and Sheldon Cottrell for INR 8.5 crore. KXIP also brought in Chris Jordan, Jimmy Neesham, Ravi Bishnoi, Prabhsimran Singh, Deepak Hooda, Ishan Porel and Tajinder Dhillon.
Latest IPL 2020 Odds
| IPL Team | Winner Odds |
| Mumbai Indians | 5.0 |
| Hyderabad Sunrisers | 6.0 |
| Chennai Super Kings | 6.0 |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | 8.0 |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | 8.0 |
| Delhi Capitals | 8.5 |
| Rajasthan Royals | 10.0 |
| Kings XI Punjab | 11.0 |
KL Rahul is new KXIP captain
KL Rahul has been confirmed as KXIP’s new captain for his third campaign with the franchise.
He will be working with head coach and director of cricket Anil Kumble to spearhead the team’s push for success this season.
KXIP CEO Staish Menon said: “KL Rahul has emerged as one of the leaders of the team over his two seasons with Kings XI Punjab.
“His batting has been exemplary, and he has anchored many of our memorable wins.
“He's versatile as well – he has been willing to make sacrifices for the team, wicketkeeping and opening, providing us more flexibility in our approach. He is very simply the natural choice to lead Kings XI Punjab,”
The 27-year-old batsman takes over from Ravichandran Ashwin after the previous skipper was traded to Delhi Capitals.
Rahul said: “I would like to thank Kings XI Punjab for having their faith in me and giving me the responsibility to lead the team.
“I am looking forward to this role. We have had a good auction as well, so I can't wait for the IPL to begin.”
IPL Finishing Positions for Kings XI Punjab
| Year | Finishing position |
| 2008 | 3rd |
| 2009 | 5th |
| 2010 | 8th |
| 2011 | 5th |
| 2012 | 6th |
| 2013 | 6th |
| 2014 | Runners-up |
| 2015 | 8th |
| 2016 | 8th |
| 2017 | 5th |
| 2018 | 7th |
| 2019 | 6th |
