IPL 2018: 3 things KKR need to address before their match against SRH
After quite a convincing start to the new IPL season against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders had a mixed night of sorts on Tuesday, which ultimately ended in disappointment as they lost to a resurgent Chennai Super Kings side, who now have won both of their opening games out of losing situations. After being 5 down for a paltry total of 89 at the end of 10 overs, a 36-ball 88 run knock by Andre Russell, that included 11 hits over the top of the fence helped KKR to a strong total of 202. But, a disappointing bowling performance, barring Sunil Narine, didn’t help their cause as CSK went on to win an emotional game in the last over in front of the home crowd.
Having played two games in the span of two days, KKR now have a gap of few days before the next fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 14. In this article, we take a look at the 3 things that the Knight Riders need to address before their next match at Eden Gardens.
#1 Dropping Vinay Kumar
The Karnataka state team captain is supposed to be their frontline Indian pace bowler, but hasn’t really got going in the two games this year. Over the two games, Vinay Kumar has bowled a total of 23 deliveries, conceded 65 runs including 5 fours and 6 sixes, and has taken 2 wickets – both wickets coming off the final two deliveries in the RCB innings. He has been trusted with the responsibility of opening and closing out the bowling innings in both the matches and he has struggled miserably at that. The two crucial overs could have set the momentum for either team, and an economy rate of 16.96 clearly tells us whose momentum it’s helping.
Poor performances in the two games would surely mean that Vinay Kumar is dropped in the next match. U-19 star Kamlesh Nagarkoti, who was signed for a fee of INR 3.2 crore, could be named as his replacement in the next match.