After a positive start in the Indian Premier League (IPL) against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will look to continue their winning run against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 10 at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
All the players chipped in with useful contributions as KKR thumped RCB by six wickets at iconic Eden Gardens on Sunday night.
However, the team management needs to work on their bowling unit. They leaked a few extra runs here and there which could prove costly going into the league.
Skipper Dinesh Karthik led the team from the front with a timely knock to see his side through. The overseas recruits also looked in good touch, especially Sunil Narine, who struck a 17 ball 50.
Meanwhile, KKR is likely to retain the winning combination going into the next game against CSK.
Here is the predicted XI of Kolkata Knight Riders:
Sunil Narine:
KKR’s strategy of sending Sunil Narine paid of well as he struck a 17-ball fifty – to give Kolkata to flying start.
He also did a fair job with the ball after the recent speculation over his action.
A confident Narine will look to do his best for KKR.
Chris Lynn:
Chris Lynn is one of the hardest hitter of the cricket ball in world cricket right now. However, untimely injuries has affected his career.
Although he failed to score in the last game but a fit Lynn can damage any bowling attack of the world.
Robin Uthappa:
Robin Uthappa needs to take control of the batting order right from the early days of the league. In the opening game, he gave away his wicket, but it didn’t hurt much.
Uthappa needs to bat till the end if Kolkata has to put huge totals on the board.
Nitish Rana:
The all-rounder from Delhi Nitish Rana had a perfect start to KKR career. Rana removed Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers in the same over halt RCB’s innings.
He then played a timely knock to take Kolkata closer to the target but failed to complete it.
As a result, Rana will be keen to continue his good run for his new franchise.
Dinesh Karthik (C & WK):
Dinesh Karthik’s purple patch looks to continue as he played a responsible knock in the first game to see his team through.
He will be eager to lead the team from the front and continue the winning run in the next game.
Rinku Singh:
The young batsman from Uttar Pradesh Rinku Singh although didn’t had a good debut game but will grow in confidence.
Meanwhile, KKR skipper Karthik is likely to retain the winning combination so get’s a spot.
Andre Russell:
The Windies all-rounder has Andre Russell started the tournament with a bang. He bowled some decent overs before striking some nasty blows to take KKR close to victory.
KKR will want an inform Russell throughout this month-long tournament.
Piyush Chawla:
The leg-spinner Piyush Chawla bowled really well in the middle-overs against the likes of AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli.
He needs to continue his form if KKR wants to continue their winning run.
Vinay Kumar:
The experienced fast bowler Vinay Kumar needs to bowl a tight line and length against a batting line-up of CSK. Vinay Kumar was a bit wayward in the last game as he went 30 runs in two overs.
Kumar needs to provide cushion to Johnson in the absence of injured Mitchell Starc.
Mitchell Johnson:
The veteran fast bowler from Australia Mitchell Johnson had a fair outing against RCB in the last game. Although he picked only one wicket, he bowled cheaply.
Meanwhile, KKR will rely on him to pick early wickets with the new ball.
Kuldeep Yadav:
The young wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav had a rare off day in business. Kuldeep had done reasonably well for India in the past one year.
Moreover, he will look to put the last game aside and take control of things for Kolkata Knight Riders.
Further, here is the newsfeed:
David Warner wishes Sunrisers Hyderabad ahead of season opener
