IPL 2019: 2nd Match, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Match Preview; After the stunning game of cricket between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore, now, it is the time for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders to entertain the crowd.
Kolkata Knight Riders want to make the most of home conditions:
Last year, it was all about finding the team balance for Kolkata Knight Riders. The new skipper Dinesh Karthik led the team really well by giving all the youngsters a perfect chance to use the platform.
This time, he got a brilliant squad to play in IPL 2019. The thinktank of the franchise did really well to bag the match-winners. Thankfully, this time, all the players are fit and raring to go apart from young Kamlesh NagarKoti.
The batting department is filled with required power in the form of Chris Lynn and Robin Uthappa. Dinesh Karthik has always been their best player in the ranks. The young Gill also found his touch while Nitish Rana can deliver the goods as well.
In bowling, they picked Lockie Ferguson while Kuldeep Yadav, Sunil Narine will look after spin section. The flamboyant Andre Russell will their go-to player during crunch situations.
Sunrisers Hyderabad has got the flexibility to their side:
Perhaps, Sunrisers is the only franchise, who can try various combinations in the tournament. The presence of all-rounders will give a lot of flexibility to the side. In between, the return of David Warner is a great boost as well.
With Jonny Bairstow, Martin Guptill in the side, they can try out different combinations by including the Indian bowlers. Shakib Al Hasan also fit to play for the team, which would be a great thing for SRH.
Manish Pandey is eager to perform and he would have a clear idea about the pitch at Eden Gardens so does Yusuf Pathan. Meanwhile, Rashid Khan would be licking his lips to show his calibre yet again.
As ever, they would once again rely heavily on their bowling section. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will lead the pack with Siddharth Kaul and Khaleel Ahmed assisting him.
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Sunrisers Hyderabad – Match Preview
Date & Venue: March 24th (Sunday), Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Predicted XI:
Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted XI:
| Playing XI | Role |
| Sunil Narine | All-Rounder |
| Chris Lynn | Batsman |
| Robin Uthappa | Batsman |
| Shubman Gill | Batsman |
| Dinesh Karthik(C/Wk) | Batsman |
| Andre Russell | All-Rounder |
| Piyush Chawla | Spinner |
| Kuldeep Yadav | Spinner |
| Prasidh Krishna | Bowler |
| Lockie Ferguson | Bowler |
| Nitish Rana | Batsman |
Sunrisers Hyderabad Predicted XI:
| Playing XI | Role |
| Jonny Bairstow | Wicketkeeper/Batsman |
| David Warner | Batsman |
| Manish Pandey | Batsman |
| Vijay Shankar | All-Rounder |
| Shakib Al Hasan | All-Rounder |
| Deepak Hooda | All-Rounder |
| Yusuf Pathan | Batsman |
| Rashid Khan | Spinner |
| Bhuvneshwar Kumar | All-Rounder |
| Siddharth Kaul | Bowler |
| Khaleel Ahmed | Bowler |
Detailed Head to Head stats:
| Stats | Matches | KKR won | SRH won | Tied/No Result |
| Overall | 15 | 9 | 6 | 0 |
| AT Eden Gardens | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Last 5 Matches | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
Pitch Condition:
Traditionally, Eden Gardens have always been a batting paradise. But, of late, fast bowlers are also getting assistance at the top order while spinners will come into the game as the play progress.
Weather Condition:
No rain threat for the game. However, hot weather would invite both the team but in quick time, the evening coolness will make players breathe a sigh of relief. The temperature would hover around 36 degrees.
Match Prediction:
Well, the home conditions would see Kolkata Knight Riders start as favourites of the game. However, Sunrisers Hyderabad has got a tremendous squad to make things fall in place. All in all, a cracker of the contest is on its way.