Zinta hopeful of Kings XI Punjab's turnaround

Bollywood star and Kings XI Punjab co-owner, Preity Zinta, is hopeful of a turnaround after the team's listless performance in its opening game of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

The Punjab outfit was thrashed by league debutants Pune Warriors in Mumbai on Sunday.

"I am an eternal optimist and I hope there will be a turnaround," Zinta said.

KXIP lost to a side which is led by Yuvraj Singh, who was earlier the skipper of the Punjab side.

Zinta is content with the team's line-up and has immense faith in 39-year-old Australian import Adam Gilchrist's leadership skills.

"I am happy with what we've got. We don't have big stars in the team. I think Gilly (Gilchrist) is a good captain, a good team leader, who led his team in winning the title (as Deccan Chargers skipper)," she said.

The Shimla-born actress felt that life is about facing challenges and expects her team to move on.

KXIP will be playing in front of their home crowd when they face defending champions Chennai Super Kings at the PCA stadium in Mohali on Wednesday.

The revamped Punjab side, after the last IPL auctions, lost some big stars including Yuvraj, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene, all are now leading different sides now.

Zinta joked about his team having produced three captains.

"KXIP has already given three captains to IPL. Sangakkara is leading Deccan, Mahela the Kochi team while Yuvi is Warriors skipper," she said.

Even when KXIP had star players in the side, their performance, barring the semi-final appearance in 2008, were no better over the last three editions.

With "Live Punjabi, Play Punjabi" the team's punchline, fans would be hoping that KXIP include a player from Punjab in the playing eleven on Wednesday.

No player from the state featured in Sunday's match.