Kings XI Punjab and an Australian connection

Even before the Indian Premier League was first launched in 2008, it was always thought during its idea days that foreign players would feature in a big way in the tournament. Players of different countries would play with and against each other, a factor which would attract the crowds in large numbers. However, an assessment of the seven seasons of the IPL shows a stark revelation. (Read: The Glenn Maxwell show)

The Kings XI Punjab franchise under the ownership of Preity Zinta have always gone on to sign a large contingency of Australian cricketers during each auction. It almost seems that Preity has a knack of getting players from Down Under. Since 2008, the likes of Brett Lee, Shaun Marsh, David Hussey, Glenn Maxwell, Mitchell Johnson, James Faulkner, Adam Gilchrist, Ryan Harris, James Hopes and Simon Katich have graced the Punjab jersey at one time or another during the history of the tournament. Gilchrist and Hussey even had the honour of leading the side and the baton of captaincy has now been passed to Australia's current T20 skipper, George Bailey. (Read: Maxwell looting happiness of IPL teams)

The fact that most Australian players have played for Punjab so far during seven editions of the IPL cannot be a mere coincidence. Cricket, like all other sports, is a game where the mental element has a big role to play over most things that happen on the field or off it. So let's consider the various factors. (Read: Maxwell, Balaji star in Punjab's win over Sunrisers)

By the look of things, it seems Preity Zinta is aware of the talent and potential an Australian cricketer possesses. Aussie players are far ahead in terms of fitness and competitiveness. But could it also be that players from Down Under are more prone to selection simply because they are Australian? (Read: Maxwell, Miller power Punjab to stunning win over Rajasthan Royals)

Another question it raises is that if Aussies are so good at everything with regard to sport, then why are they exclusively packed into Kings XI Punjab in such large numbers. As many as ten Australians have already played for Kings XI Punjab going into the seventh season of the IPL. Other teams might have signed Aussie cricketers but none of them have done so as consistently or in such volume. Is it then just fate, or an owner's intuition or shall we call it something that cannot be explained? Also, whatever dividends such a venture may or may not have paid, there can be no doubt that the Punjab side has been affected in one way or another because of this ideology. (Read: Maxwell's 95-run knock against Chennai sets the tone for Kings XI Punjab)

Is the love affair between Punjab and Australia a mere fling, one that will go away at some point of time? Is it merely temporary or are we seeing a much deeper meaning in all of this? Whatever the outcome, it cannot be pinpointed in so few words. What can be said is that regardless of where this relationship between Kings XI Punjab and Australia goes, it will definitely be an affair to remember, especially when 'Maxwell's Silver Hammer' gets ready to pound.