IPL 2019: Kolkata Knight Riders Probable XI
Mar 18, 2019 at 6:20 PM
Kolkata Knight Riders will be eager to lift their 3rd IPL title when they kick off their IPL 12 campaign with a match against the Kings XI Punjab on 24th March. The 4 pm start in hot and sultry conditions in Kolkata ill surely test some of the players. However, they are professionals and should look to get the job done in the first encounter.
They have some world class players in their ranks who has the ability to change the complexion of the match within overs. Now with the tournament set to kick off in a few day’s time, I have decided a probable playing XI for the Kolkata Knight Riders which could be a match-winning combination for them
Sunil Narine
The sensational right arm off-spinner has been a revelation in the shortest format of the game. In the last few years, he has been the most prized player in Kolkata. His exceptional exploits with the bat have only added to his repertoire. Narine in all likelihood will open the innings with Chris Lynn and will look to get Kolkata off to a good start.
Chris Lynn
The Australian batsman has been another important member of the Kolkata Knight Riders unit in the last few years. He is an exceptional batsman at the top of the order and can any bowling attack to the cleaners on his day. However, injury had been an issue for him which has halted his progress in KKR. However, he will definitely look to make an impact in the upcoming season.
Robin Uthappa
KKR has kept their top 3 core batsmen in their squad which adds a special dimension to their squad. There is no doubt the fact that Uthappa is a class player. But he had a rather below par season last time around. He will definitely be a part of KKR’s playing XI and will look to add balance to the team. Uthappa is also expected to don the wicketkeeping gloves.
Shubhman Gill
He is a fine young talent who has already made a mark for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous season. He batted brilliantly in a few matches and also got the Man of the Match award in a group match against the Chennai Super Kings. KKR and Dinesh Karthik would definitely like to him an opportunity at the top of the order.
Nitish Rana
The left-handed batsman was a good find for the Mumbai Indians a couple of season back. He was bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders with high expectations in the last season. However, he didn’t manage to score consistently. Nonetheless, he should be a part of the playing XI in the opening clash for KKR.
Dinesh Karthik
The skipper will keep rotating in the batting order and might look to play the finisher’s job to perfection. Karthik played quite brilliantly in the last season and was the perfect foil for Kolkata. He was the perfect captain and took his franchise to the Qualifier 2 where they lost against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Karthik is also a safe wicket keeper behind the stumps and will look to get the job done for his team.
Andre Russell
The Windies all-rounder is a special player and has the ability to smash sixes at will. He is a mighty striker of the ball and can clear any boundary in the world with utmost comfort. He also adds variety to the KKR squad with his sharp pace. Russell has been an indispensable part of the KKR squad in the last 5 years. There is hardly any doubt about the fact that he will be one of the foreigners to play in the match.
Lockie Ferguson
The New Zealand fast bowler has been an impressive buy for the Kolkata Knight Riders. There is no certainty that he will be part of the Playing XI but it’s my sheer gut feeling and opinion. He generates good pace through the deck and can hurry any batsmen.
Kuldeep Yadav
The left-arm chinaman spinner is a rarity these days. In the last two years not only he has been the No 1 choice for KKR, he has also been one of the two premier spinners for India in the shorter formats of the game. His drift in the air makes him a special bowler and he will definitely look to weave his magic in the 12th edition of IPL.
Piyush Chawla
The leg-spinner has been part of the KKR squad for quite a few years. He has leaked runs on occasions but definitely, he should be a part of the Playing XI in the first match for Kolkata. He has quite a few variations up his sleeve and had troubled top batsmen during his prime.
Prasidh Krishna
The lanky speedster from Karnataka rose into the limelight with some tidy bowling in the previous edition of the tournament for Kolkata Knight Riders. He developed a good partnership with Shivam Mavi. However, his partner won’t be available this time around and he would look to take the responsibility of the pace attack.