A team that has changed its captain, a team around which the controversy is building that the owners may split, what chances does it have to make its mark in the third season of the IPL? Kings Eleven Punjab is the team that literally epitomizes the Punjabi spirit, “ himmate marda te madade khuda”, and the spirit is epitomized best in spunky demeanor of its owner Preity Zinta who with her engrossing presence in the stadium literally sets the stadium on fire. Another whiff of controversy associated with the team is that it has been bought over by Hero Honda; it seems the more the merrier, as it would galvanize the team to prove itself.

For the third season the team management has taken the decision to pass on the baton of captainship to Kumar Sangakkara. While the world may read meaning into so-called sacking of Yuvraj Singh from captainship, it could turn out to be blessing in disguise for the team, as in anointing Kumar Sangakkara as the captain, the team has given Yuvraj the platform to go for the kill in the third season.

The bowling department is led by Brett Lee, who seems to be determined this time around to really mean business as he has decided to hang his boots from Australian cricket. If Brett Lee gets going it could be trouble for the opposing teams. Added advantage for Kings XI Punjab would be that they would be playing some of their matches in the picturesque surroundings of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, where the climate is cool. And Brett Lee indeed becomes really menacing in such type of climate, as he has demonstrated in the past.

Besides, with Shaun Marsh at top of the batting order, and Mahela Jayewardene at his wiliest best, Kings XI Punjab could turn the tables for many teams. Yuvraj Singh has been out of international cricket for quite a long time and he has a score to settle with the world of cricket, and the third season of IPL could indeed turn out to be his swan song. Besides, Irrfan Pathan after having been given cold shoulder by the Indian selectors also has a point to prove to the world of cricket. The hunger to perform and the fire in the belly, in Pathan and Yuvraj could become the magic wand for Kings XI Punjab.

The official team partner of Kings XI Punjab is Emirates and the other main partners for the team include Gulf Oil, ACC Cements, and Reebok.