This KXIP team has more superstars: Brad Hodge

Kings XI Punjab head coach Brad Hodge feels that presence of multiple superstars makes their team a "dangerous unit" going into the 11th edition of Indian Premier League.

"If you look at the difference of this side compared to the past squads, I think there is definitely a rise in standard. We've got a lot of superstars, a lot of match-winners, which makes our team extremely dangerous, which should be good for future," said Hodge, prior to their opening encounter against Delhi Daredevils.

While top order batsman Aaron Finch is not going to be available for tomorrow's match, Hodge said that while his absence is going to be "a huge loss", but the team has got the talent to cover his role.

He said the side boasts of some of "extremely dangerous cricket players" and "all match winners on their own".

In addition to Ashwin, KXIP has players like Yuvraj Singh, Chris Gayle, David Miller, Karun Nair, Axar Patel, Lokesh Rahul, Marcus Stoinis, Manoj Tiwary, Andrew Tye, among others.

About KL Rahul, he said that the top-order batsman has taken up the challenge of delivering the dual role by keeping wickets, which gives the team more options.

"He has been working extremely hard and he is excited about this competition," he said.

When asked that after ten years of IPL, how does he see this season being different in terms of innovation, which the bowlers or batsmen may try, the Aussie said, "it is hard to pinpoint what it is, but we are certainly seeing the game evolve dramatically from day one, when Brendon McCullum hit 158 for KKR."
With Gautam Gambhir leading the side, Amre said,"We have a good blend of experience and young talented players, which makes it a fearless unit."