IPL 2016, GL vs KKR Playing 11: Probable XI for Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders
The 51st game of the IPL will be played between Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders. This will be the first game at Kanpur this season, the newly designated home ground for GL. KKR are placed at Number 2 and GL at number 4 on the points table. KKR have lost 2 of their last 3 games whereas GL after a commanding start has gone off the track a bit and lost 4 of the last 5 games.
See also: GL vs KKR Match Prediction: Who will win the match between Gujarat Lions and Kolkata Knight Riders
Both the Knights and the Lions have 2 matches in hand and thus, the result of this game is going to be vital in the context of the playoff spots. Victories in both games can seal a spot in the top 2 for either of the teams whereas defeats in both might well result in the omission from the playoffs.
Here is the likely team which may represent KKR in the match:
Batting
Opener and skipper Gautam Gambhir has been in a tremendous form in the league and is amongst the top 10 run getters of the tournament. He has amassed 449 runs so far and notched up 5 fifties with 90* being his highest score. His opening partner Robin Uthappa has also played good hands and is the second highest run scorer for KKR after Gambhir with 333 runs. Both have been providing great platforms for the middle and lower orders.
Manish Pandey was out of the side for major part of the league due to illness. But since his return, the middle order has strengthened. He scored a nice half-century in the last game against RCB. Yusuf Pathan has rolled back the clock and showcased what he was always known for. He has been impeccable in finishing the innings. He has been striking at 157 and has won some important games for the team.
Suryakumar Yadav and Shakib Al Hasan haven’t contributed a lot and have only a fifty apiece to their names. Andre Russell though has played some useful fiery innings at the death overs and possesses a strike rate of 165, but due to the injury he picked up in the last game, he will miss out on this crucial encounter. Chris Lynn is expected to replace him as he too is capable of hitting some lusty blows
All-rounders
With the loss of Russell, the onus would be on Shakib to play the all-rounder’s role. He hasn’t done too well with the ball and has picked up only 4 wickets in 8 matches. Yusuf Pathan is the other potential all-rounder but he hasn’t been required in the league so far because of a strong bowling line-up.
Bowling
Russell is the leading wicket taker for them and increases the problem for KKR to replace him. Umesh Yadav might be brought back in place of Ankit Rajpoot as KKR might want a genuine pacer to do the job that Russell has been doing. He has picked up 10 wickets in the 9 games earlier but went for 9 runs an over.
Morne Morkel, Sunil Narine and Piyush Chawla have played their parts well and are expected to retain their places. Though Narine hasn’t been that threatening with his remodelled action, but his sheer presence makes it easier for Gambhir.
Probable Playing XI
Gautam Gambhir (c), Robin Uthappa (wk), Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Chris Lynn, Suryakumar Yadav, Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Piyush Chawla, Umesh Yadav, Morne Morkel