On the face of it, Kings XI have got their hirings desperately wrong. If their New Zealand, West Indies and Australia pros must return home to play Test cricket, it leaves this side threadbare, vulnerable and very much the dark horse in the fray.

If that's the case, Punjab may not appear threatening to the other star-studded sides.

More than any other team, this side needs to make a solid beginning, for the going may get tougher after their international pros return home.