Kings XI Punjab start IPL preparations with camp in Pune

Kings XI Punjab players are all set to start their preparations for the eighth edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) with a camp at the Maharashtra Cricket Association (MCA) International Stadium in Pune on Friday.

Players like South Africa's Beuren Hendricks, India's Parvinder Awana, Wriddhiman Saha, Anureet Singh, Shardul Thakur, Shivam Sharma, Nikhil Naik and Yogesh Gowalkar will be present at the camp.

These players will be joined by the likes of hard-hitting batsman Virender Sehwag, Manan Vohra, Murali Vijay and other international players from Saturday onwards.

According to a release, Punjab's head coach Sanjay Bangar, fielding coach R. Sridhar and bowling coach Joe Dawes will be present at the ground to mentor the players.

The team finished runners-up after losing to champions Kolkata Knight Riders in the seventh edition of the tournament.

Bangar said with a balanced team and a positive coaching staff the team will aim to keep their winning momentum going.

"Last year was a good season for us and we would want to carry on the winning spree this season as well. We have a well balanced team and the entire coaching staff is positive about the team's performance," Bangar said.

"As a part of this camp, we will focus towards working on the strengths and improvement areas of the players and look forward to a great tournament," the coach said.

Kings XI Punjab will play their first match against Rajasthan Royals in Pune on April 10.