IPL 2018: KKR vs SRH, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) today’s probable XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have had an indifferent start to this year’s IPL. After beating Royal Challengers Bangalore at home by chasing 177, they failed to defend 202 against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai. With two points and a net run-rate of +0.195, KKR are currently second in the points table.
They return to the Eden Gardens in Kolkata for their third game and will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad who have been in terrific form, having won both their games. Hence, it promises to be a close encounter.
Thus, here’s a look at the probable XI for KKR for today’s match.
Openers
Chris Lynn has had a couple of quiet games. After scoring just 5 in the first game against RCB, Lynn looked in decent touch as he scored a fluent 16-ball 22. He’s come back from a shoulder surgery and that might’ve been the reason for his rustiness. However, Lynn will continue to open the batting for KKR and will play a key role.
Sunil Narine has taken everyone by surprise. Last year, he was inconsistent at the top of the order but he did give KKR some flying starts. This year, he has once again looked good opening the batting. He scored a fantastic 17-ball 50 against RCB while he smashed two sixes in the first over against CSK. Narine will also play a key role with the ball.
Middle-order
Robin Uthappa will bat at No. 3 and has been very consistent for KKR over the last few years. He likes opening the batting but with the experiment of Narine working well, Uthappa has found himself at No. 3 where he can control the game. He’s got starts in both the games and looked in sublime touch against CSK before he was run out for 29. Uthappa will look to get a big score in the coming games.
Nitish Rana has been one of the talking points of the first week. He dismissed AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli off successive deliveries to turn the game for KKR. He also made 34 in the same game to help his team get over the line against RCB. Rana will continue to bat at No. 4 and he will look to make use of these opportunities.
Dinesh Karthik has been in sublime form in recent times. After his match-winning knock for India in the Nidahas Trophy, he scored an unbeaten 35 to help KKR start with a win against RCB. He also scored a good-looking 26 in the next game.
There were a few eyebrows raised when Rinku Singh was picked ahead of Shubman Gill. He has fielded very well in the two games but has failed to make an impact with the bat. He’s scored just 8 runs in the two games.
All-rounders
Andre Russell has been very good since his comeback from the ban. He scored an important 15 against RCB and bowled two economical overs. But he was absolutely superb in the next game against CSK. He bailed KKR out of trouble and helped them get to 202 with a brutal 88. He will look to continue his good form with the bat.
Mitchell Johnson was rested for the second game due to some niggles but according to bowling coach Heath Streak, he should be good to go. Thus, the retired Aussie quick might come in for Tom Curran who was expensive in the last game. Johnson looked good in the first game against RCB as he took 1/30 in his four overs.
Bowlers
Piyush Chawla has been the workhorse for KKR over the last few years. He’s been one of their underrated players. However, Chawla has not had the best of starts in this IPL as he has had figures of 1/31 and 1/49 in the two games. But he will continue to lead the spin attack for KKR.
Kamlesh Nagarkoti might make his IPL debut against SRH as Vinay Kumar has disappointed in both games. In the first game, he gave away 30 runs in his 2 overs and then he failed to defend 17 runs in the final over against CSK. It might be a bit harsh on Vinay Kumar but KKR will look to give the impressive youngster a chance early in the tournament.
Kuldeep Yadav has become India’s premier spinner in limited-overs cricket. But like Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep also hasn’t had the best of starts in this IPL. His economy has been on the higher side in both games. However, given the form and temperament he’s shown in recent times, he has the ability to bounce back. Thus, he will be a key part of KKR’s plans.
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