Hashim Amla Set to Make IPL Debut with Struggling Kings XI Punjab

Hashim Amla is expected to bolster Kings XI Punjab's batting fortunes once he joins the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise as a replacement for the injured Shaun Marsh. The South African opener had gone unsold in the IPL auction earlier this year.

Marsh has joined a long list of injury-hit superstars in IPL this season. Amla's solidity should help Kings XI Punjab's non-performing middle-order where David Miller and Glenn Maxwell have failed to live up to their reputation.

Amla has never played in the IPL. He was in the pool of players for this February's IPL auction with a base price of Rs 1 crore, but went unsold.

Injuries to key players have opened the door for unsold players. Former Australian T20 skipper George Bailey has been roped in by a struggling Rising Pune Supergiants, probably the hardest hit by injuries. Bailey had led Kings XI Punjab last season.

Amla, known for his Test exploits, was part of South Africa's squad in the ICC T20 World Cup. He scored two fifties in South Africa's horrible T20 World Cup campaign. The right-handed opener returned with an impressive strike rate of 134.83.

With just two wins from seven games, Kings XI Punjab are currently last in the eight-team IPL. Murali Vijay has taken over as captain after first-choice skipper Miller was relieved his charges due to poor form.