IPL 2017, KKR vs DD: 5 winning factors
Kolkata Knight Riders host Delhi Daredevils in the first of Friday’s doubleheader at the Eden Gardens. The season is still only halfway through, but the Knight Riders are comfortably placed at the top of the table with 12 points and a commanding net run rate of +1.153. Another win will take the two-time champions one step closer to securing a playoff spot.
The Daredevils, on the other hand, are at the bottom and can’t afford to lose yet another after disappointing returns in its last few games.
Extra Cover: KKR vs DD Match Prediction: Who will win today's match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Daredevils
With both sides needing a victory, a closely fought match can be expected.
Here’s a look at five factors that could be decisive in the outcome of this game:
With the bat
Delhi’s young emerging Indian batsmen, with the exception of Sanju Samson, have been disappointing so far and need to step up collectively if they are to reverse their team’s fortunes. The lack of an experienced international batsman around whom they can bat is a concern for the Daredevils’ younger lot.
Sam Billings, who opened with Samson, was dropped from the previous fixture after failing to capitalise on his promising starts in earlier games. While Marlon Samuels has been named as a replacement for the injured Quinton de Kock, he is not scheduled to arrive in time for today’s game.
Extra Cover: IPL 2017: Delhi Daredevils announce Marlon Samuels as replacement for Quinton de Kock
On the other hand, the Knight Riders’ top order is in the thick of runs. Gautam Gambhir (305), Robin Uthappa (272) and Manish Pandey (260) are all among the leading run-getters of this season, while Sunil Narine continues to play delightful cameos at the top.