IPL 2017: Gujarat Lions vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 5 factors of winning
The contest between one of the most consistent sides in the tournament and a newly emerging powerhouse will be enthralling to watch. It’s the battle of experience against potential in the third game of tenth edition of the Indian Premier League as Kolkata Knight Riders and Gujarat Lions square off.
After a terrible run in the first three seasons, KKR turned the corner under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir, who has led the side with immense confidence, winning the title twice. They have a well-oiled side and have combined experience with young legs – something which makes KKR a force to reckon with.
Gambhir has been influential as the leader of the pack and one can expect him to replicate similar magic in this tournament as well. Gujarat Lions, on the other hand, are brimming with superstars of the game who can wreak havoc if get going.
Suresh Raina-led Gujarat Lions have one of the most complete and well-balanced sides but failed to click as a unit at crucial stages in the previous edition. The Lions will be high on confidence going into this game as they have won both the games played between them. Unfortunately, both the teams will be missing out on few key players due to mistimed injuries, unsuccessful recoveries and unfortunate bans. Still, both the teams have enough firepower to produce a high-voltage encounter.
#1 With the bat
Gujarat Lions will highly bank on their aggressive openers to fire and get the team off to a flying start in their opening game. Brendon McCullum is one of the most belligerent openers game has witnessed and put the opposition under massive pressure if gets going. Dwayne Smith, on the other hand, is capable of inflicting similar damage with his muscle power and ability to clear the infield.
GL have some serious depth and solidity in their batting. At 3 comes Suresh Raina, who has been IPL’s most successful player followed by Aaron Finch, Dinesh Karthik, James Faulkner and Ishan Kishan. KKR bowlers will surely have a tough time against the star-studded GL batting line-up.
KKR, on the other hand, have a fine mixture of experience and potential to balance their batting. Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa will have to get runs at the top and provide a platform for the likes of Yusuf Pathan and Chris Woakes to fire. Suryakumar Yadav can be the silent assassin in this line-up and inflict some serious damage if he gets a chance to do so. KKR have an edge as GL bowling doesn’t inspire the same confidence as their batting does.