IPL 2016, MI vs KKR Playing 11: Probable line-up for Gautam Gambhir led Kolkata Knight Riders(Confirmed Playing 11)
Confirmed Playing 11: Robin Uthappa(w), Gautam Gambhir(c), Suryakumar Yadav, Chris Lynn, Shakib Al Hasan, Yusuf Pathan, Andre Russell, Rajagopal Sathish, Jaydev Unadkat, Umesh Yadav, Sunil Narine
The Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai will witness an intense battle between home side Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders in the 24th match of the VIVO IPL 2016. The Knight Riders have been in dominant form throughout the season with 4 victories in 5 matches. On the other hand, Mumbai have had a rollercoaster ride thus far with 3 wins and 4 losses this year. However, the Indians have the upper hand over Kolkata in the 2016 IPL as they won the last match between the two sides at the Eden Gardens by 6 wickets. While KKR will be looking to continue their superb run of form in the tournament, MI will be hoping they finally find some consistency.
Also read: IPL 2016: Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders, MI vs KKR Match Prediction Analysis
Let's take a look at the likely team that the Kolkata Knight Riders may field against MI:
Batting
KKR skipper Gautam Gambhir has been in exceptional form this season and held the Orange Cap for quite some time. The left-handed batsman has scored 237 runs from 5 innings at an impressive average of 79. His opening partner, Robin Uthappa, has also looked in good touch with 134 runs in 5 games.
The failure of both openers in their previous game against RPS served as a blessing in disguise as some of the other players got a hit in the middle. The most prominent one among them was Suryakumar Yadav, who scored a belligerent 60 to help Kolkata secure a win. Yusuf Pathan, too, looked in decent form as he stitched together a vital partnership with Yadav.
Also read: IPL Match 24, Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders (MI vs KKR): Match Preview
The batting has been weakened due to Manish Pandey being out with chicken pox. The lower middle-order has also underperformed with Shakib Al Hasan and Andre Russell struggling to score. KKR will have to think beyond their openers if they want to enjoy more success this year.
All-rounders
The Knight Riders allrounders have not shown their best form in the tournament yet. Shakib has been economical with the ball but the runs have not been coming with the bat. Russell has also bowled well but has not exactly been on fire with the bat. Pathan has only bowled one over in this year's IPL and has picked up a wicket.
The Kolkata side will need their all-rounders to play a crucial role if they want to be in contention for their third IPL title.
Also read: MI vs KKR Live Streaming Online: IPL 2016 Free Live Streaming of Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders on StarSports
Bowling
Perhaps the most impressive aspect for Kolkata Knight Riders has been their bowling. The three primary pace bowlers - Umesh Yadav, Andre Russell, and Morne Morkel - have been in brilliant form sharing 14 wickets between them, Yadav and Russell with 5 each and Morkel with 4.
The spinners have also been pretty decent with Piyush Chawla having grabbed 4 wickets while Sunil Narine and Brad Hogg have 3 scalps each. Shakib has not picked up wickets but has been miserly with an economy rate of 6. Overall, KKR do not have too many issues in the bowling department but they will want them to continue in the same vein.
Also read: IPL 2016, MI vs KKR Playing 11: Probable line-up for Rohit Sharma led Mumbai Indians
Probable Playing XI
Gautam Gambhir (c), Robin Uthappa (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Yusuf Pathan, Shakib Al Hasan, Rajagopal Sathish, Andre Russell, Piyush Chawla, Umesh Yadav, Sunil Narine, Morne Morkel.