The Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) have agreed upon a straight swap trade involving batsman Mandeep Singh and all-rounder Marcus Stoinis in the IPL 2019's first trading window.
The Kings XI Punjab will welcome back Singh who was a part of the franchise squad from 2011 to 2014 before switching over camps to the RCB in 2015.
The Bangalore-based franchise also reinvested in the services of the 26-year-old batsman in 2018 during the auction, purchasing him for INR 1.40 crore.
Singh scored 597 runs in 20 T20 matches while representing the RCB at a strike rate of 128.94, having scored 763 runs in 41 matches for the KXIP previously at a strike rate of 120.72.
The batsman has regularly represented Punjab in domestic tournaments in recent times which may be a factor behind the decision.
Saada King, Mandeep Singh!
Our PUNJAB da puttar is back!
Looking forward to many celebrations and even more runs from you.
We are absolutely delighted to have you back! #ChakDePhatte @mandeeps12 #LivePunjabiPlayPunjabi #KXIP #WelcomeBack
— Kings XI Punjab (@lionsdenkxip) October 28, 2018
Stoinis on the other hand promises to be a good acquisition for the RCB who recently traded wicket-keeper batsman Quinton De Kock to the Mumbai Indians in exchange for monetary compensation.
The Australian all-rounder has been an effective performer for the KXIP in the past and can be expected to deliver more of the same for the RCB as well.
