Murali Vijay has replaced David Miller as captain of the Kings XI Punjab after a horror start to their Indian Premier League campaign this year.

“

Kings XI Punjab announces M Vijay as the Captain for Kings XI Punjab for the remaining part of the IPL 2016 tournament.

”

The franchise said in a statement. 

Miller, has had a torrid time with the bat, scoring a mere 76 off six games, with a best of an unbeaten 30. Besides, KXIP are last on the table, having lost five of their six matches so far. Punjab's solitary win this season had come against Rising Pune Supergiant at home on April 17.

KXIP have plenty of catching up to do and maybe the team management thinks it's best to get rid of Miller while there is still some hope left.

Vijay hasn't exactly set the IPL on fire, but has been reasonably consistent with 143 runs, including 53 in a winning cause against Pune. He, as a Test specialist for India, is well-respected, and is known to have possess sharp cricketing acumen.

KXIP's hands could also have been forced by the IPL rules which stipulate only four foreign players in a playing XI for any team. Therefore, Miller's place in the team looks untenable now.

“

David Miller continues to be an integral part of the team and is a very strong player of the squad.

The statement added. 

The other three foreigners in the KXIP line-up - Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell and pacer Kyle Abbott - are certain to retain their place in the final XI. While Abbott might be replaced by another specialist bowler if he fails to deliver in the team.