Punjab Kings' First-Ever XI & Where are They Now?
Kings XI Punjab is one of the few teams in the IPL that have not landed the silverware. In 2021, they rebranded and emerged as Punjab Kings, but the fortunes have not altered. While the Kings’ story has been a case of unfulfilled expectations, they did come close to lifting the trophy in 2014. However, a Manish-Pandey brilliance dashed their hopes in a thrilling, high-scoring final, with KKR becoming a two-time champion.
In 2008, the Kings locked horns with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to debut in the IPL extravaganza. MS Dhoni-led CSK came out victorious in a high-scoring match, where Michael Hussey blasted a 54-ball 116.
The Kings fell 33 runs short in response to CSK’s 240/5, but the IPL had begun on an excellent note. Two 200-plus scores in the first two matches were just a trailer of the greater things to come.
Let’s dive deep into nostalgia and look at Kings XI Punjab's first-ever XI and their whereabouts.
Punjab Kings First Ever XI (Source: OneCricket)
Karan Goel
Karan Goel played 22 IPL games for Kings XI Punjab. Source (Espn Cricinfo)
Playing the role of a batting allrounder, Karan Goel opened the innings with Aussie James Hopes in the inaugural match against CSK. He scored a 19-ball 24, before being prized out by Manpreet Gony. He also bowled two overs, conceding 25 runs in the match.
Karan Goel played for the Kings till 2010 but could not become a regular due to inconsistency. The Ludhiana-born player featured in 22 IPL games, mustering 218 runs, with a highest score of 38. Goel was last seen in action in 2013 in a T20 match for the Punjab stateside against Jammu and Kashmir.
He was last in the news in 2022 when a case of a life-threatening attack on the cricketer emerged.
James Hopes
James Hopes was Kings' highest scorer in their maiden game. (Source: TOI)
Australian all-rounder James Hopes was instrumental in allowing the Kings to get close to CSK’s humongous target. Hopes made a 33-ball 71, laced with ten fours and three sixes. However, on the bowling front, he was taken to the cleaners, giving away 53 runs in 4 overs and a wicket to his name.
Besides the Kings, Hopes represented Delhi Daredevils (Capitals) and Pune Warriors India (PWI) in the IPL. After hanging his boots from the first-class circuit after the 2015-16 season, he began his coaching journey. He is currently donning the hat of fast-bowling coach at the Delhi Capitals.
Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara played 3 editions of the IPL for KXIP. (Courtesy BCCI)
One of the greatest Sri Lankan players, Kumar Sangakkara notched up a fine half-century (54 off 33 balls) in this debut match for the Kings. He stitched a 55-run partnership with Hopes before being dismissed by compatriot Muthiah Muralidaran.
The elegant southpaw earned laurels throughout his career, with a match-winning performance in the 2014 T20I World Cup final, one of his peak points. Currently, he is serving as Rajasthan Royals’ head coach and director of cricket.
Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh captained KXIP in 2008. (Source: Twitter)
Yuvraj Singh–the stylish southpaw and one of the heroes of India’s 2011 World Cup win–captained the Kings in the first season. A player who has made remarkable comebacks from poor form and health concerns (lung cancer), Yuvraj retired from international cricket in 2019.
Currently, he is active on social media platforms like Twitter where he shares his views and opinions. Furthermore, he is passionately involved with YouWeCan, his initiative to assist cancer patients and spread awareness against the fatal disease.
Simon Katich
Simon Katich was one of the four overseas players in KXIP's maiden match. (Source: TOI)
Due to national commitment, Simon Katich featured in just two matches in 2008, including the Kings’ maiden match. The Australian remained not out on 21 off 17 balls against CSK as his team fell short of the target.
At present, Katich is serving as the head coach of MI Cape Town in the SA T20 League. He has also been previously involved in the KKR set-up as an assistant coach.
Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan claimed 15 wickets in IPL 2008. (Source: Espn Cricinfo)
Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan was an integral part of KXIP’s inaugural campaign. In the first match, he gave away 47 runs, with two wickets to show by his name. He remained unbeaten on 3 off 5 balls after coming to bat fairly late into the innings.
He was recently part of the Indian Maharajas in Legends League Cricket. Moreover, he is a familiar face in the commentary box and continues to be associated with the game.
Pankaj Dharmani
Pankaj Dharmani (Source: Espn Cricinfo)
A former India international who featured in just a single ODI, Pankaj Dharmani represented KXIP in 2008. He played only one game and did not get a chance to bat. The former wicketkeeper is now playing the role of a match referee in the domestic arena.
Brett Lee
Brett Lee was the most economical bowler in KXIP's first match. (Source: Espn Cricinfo)
Australian speedster Brett Lee could partake in just four matches in the inaugural edition owing to national duty. In the debut match against Chennai, when every other bowler was expensive, Lee conceded 35 runs and returned with a wicket. In the IPL, Lee also represented KKR, playing his last match in the 2013 season.
A part of the 2003 World Cup-winning team, Lee works as an analyst and commentator, gracing the world of cricket media worldwide.
Piyush Chawla
Piyush Chawla (Source: Twitter)
The only player from the Kings’ first XI who is still active in the IPL, leggie Piyush Chawla is undoubtedly an IPL veteran. Representing the Kings, CSK, KKR, and Mumbai Indians over the years, Chawla sits in the fifth position on the most successful bowlers’ list.
Chawla had a forgettable outing in the Kings’ debut match, as he bowled only one over for 19 runs. However, he came back strongly, scalping 17 wickets in 15 matches that year. He’ll be seen in IPL 2023 as an integral part of the Mumbai Indians’ setup, the only experienced spinner in the squad.
Wilkin Mota
The all-rounder from Mumbai did not have a great first season, playing only three matches for KXIP. In this debut match, Wilkin did not get an outing with the bat. He bowled two overs for 24 runs and scalped the wicket of Suresh Raina.
He was the head coach of the Mumbai U-19 team (2018-19). Currently, he is playing his trade as a coach in MCA’s academies, moulding the future generation.
S.Sreesanth
S Sreesanth (Source: Twitter)
Indian speedster S.Sreesanth's promising career got destroyed by controversies (slap gate and spot-fixing). Before being banned by the BCCI, Sreesanth represented Kings XI Punjab and Kochi Tuskers Kerala and was also roped in by the Rajasthan Royals. The Royals had terminated his contract after his name emerged in the spot-fixing scandal along with Ajit Chandela and Ankeet Chavan.
In the inaugural season of the IPL, Sreesanth was the joint second-highest wicket-taker, a bowling mainstay for the Kings. However, in the first match, he gave away 35 runs in 3 overs, with no wicket to his name.
After his life ban was reduced by the BCCI, Sreesanth returned to Kerala’s domestic side in 2020. Unable to leave an impression, he hung his boots in 2022. He was last seen mentoring the Bangla Tigers in the Abu Dhabi T10 league.
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