IPL2018: KKR and KXIP set to clash in a must-win encounter

Dec 23, 2018 at 10:57 AM

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IPL2018: KKR and KXIP set to clash in a must-win encounter

Another thrilling day is at a store in Indian Premier League tonight. This time the action shifts to Indore’s Holkar Cricket Stadium. As both teams are coming to the game with a loss in their backpack, one can expect a nerve-cracking action on a beautiful Saturday afternoon.

Kings XI Punjab – Eyes to be back on winning track

Everything was going well for Kings XI Punjab but then comes the one week break which took away the winning momentum for KXIP. However, as Ashwin termed, it might be the perception but the way KXIP playing their cricket is giving a fuel to the thoughts. However, they would like to get back to the winning ways by continuing their dominance over KKR in IPL 2018.

Yuvraj Singh
Yuvraj Singh Courtesy: Twitter

Apart from KL Rahul, all the other batsmen in the team are playing a hit or miss kind of a cricket. Surprisingly, Kings XI Punjab is making a lot of tinkering to their batting order at the crucial phase of the tournament which already backfired. The move to send Ashwin ahead in the last match and Axar in the previous encounters haven’t done well for the team.

It is expected that Ravi Ashwin will bring back his golden lineup back against Kolkata Knight Riders. Coming to bowling department, they are quite happy with their resources. Bowlers are pulling their socks up in each game either in bowling first or defending a tally. The likes of Andrew Tye and Mujeeb are delivering the goods on a regular basis.

However, as the tourney is coming into the business-end stage, it is highly important for Kings XI Punjab to get back to the winning ways. They need a couple of more wins in their remaining 4 to ensure a safe place.

Kolkata Knight Riders – A do or die encounter

Few gutsy decisions from Dinesh Karthik and the team management have backfired badly for the KKR franchise. Be it opening with Shubman Gill ahead of Narine and bowling with Piyush Chawla in the final over of the innings, KKR hasn’t yielded results in their favour when it mattered the most. However, they need to leave everything out off the field and should outsmart KXIP to give themselves the best shot for playoffs.

PC – IPL

Both the batting and bowling departments need a great tinkering in order to come good against Punjab. But, Dinesh Karthik is reluctant to bring any change to the side. They are making Andre Russell play despite his injury is taking a toll on his body. On the other side, the in-form Cameron Delport is warming the bench.

The form of Robin Uthappa is a big area of concern while Nitish Rana was ineffective after sustaining injury. Chris Lynn was unfortunate to be dismissed in bizarre ways while Dinesh Karthik is coming late in the batting order.

The bowling department has completely relied on the spin department. One bad day at the office for one of their spinners, then automatically, a big tally is being visible on the scoreboard. As the game is scheduled to play at Indore, KKR bowlers need to be at their brutal best to contain the star-studded Kings XI lineup.

As the loss would bring curtains on their playoffs’ berth, it is expected that Kolkata Knight Riders would come with all their guns blazing. All in all, a thriller is set to make its way.

Possible Playing XI:

KXIP: Chris Gayle, KL Rahul, Karun Nair, Yuvraj Singh, Manoj Tiwary, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, Ravichandran Ashwin (c), Andrew Tye, Mohit Sharma, Mujeeb Rehman.

KKR: Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik (c/wk), Andre Russell, Mitchell Johnson, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Prasidh Krishna

Pitch Report: Holkar Stadium is traditionally a batting paradise. Also offers a little assistance for spinners as well.

Weather Report: No rain is in the forecast. A hot climate would take a toll on players.

Date & Time: May 12th 2018, 16:00 IST

Venue – Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore

Live Telecast – Star Sports Network, Jio and Hotstar Premium customers

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