IPL 2018, KXIP vs KKR: 3 things KKR must do to get back to winning ways
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), started the IPL pretty well, but have suffered two consecutive defeats. Their heavy 102 runs defeat to Mumbai Indians in their last game, not only would be a cause for deep worry and concern for the franchise and their fans, it also weakens their NRR.
As it stands currently, only SRH have qualified for the playoffs, and every other team apart from DD(as they can’t make it to the playoffs), would ideally need to win all their remaining games in order to make it to the playoffs and more importantly finish in the top two positions.
KKR are entering into this clash against KXIP at Indore after a humiliating defeat against MI at home. Such is the nature of the IPL, that this team in a matter of few days must forget what has happened and must look to bounce back.
In some good news for them, Shubman Gill would return to their playing XI for this match against KXIP. That would help KKR a lot as the youngster has shown a lot of promise after being pushed up the batting order.
Keeping in mind their last two defeats, here are 3 things KKR must do to get back to winning ways:
Senior players must step up and take responsibility
With a mix of experienced T20 players coupled with some youngsters, KKR has got a good squad to play with. But what’s been hurting their game has been the lack of consistency from their senior, experienced players.
Batsmen like Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, and Andre Russell need to step up and deliver on a more consistent basis. It’s good to get the quickfire 20’s and 30’s but one expects the likes of Chris Lynn and Robin Uthappa who bat at the top of the order, to make full use of that and score big.
If you have a look at the sides that are doing well in this IPL, one of the reasons for that would be the top three or four batsmen have converted their 30’s into more substantial scores. KKR could take a cue from the likes of KL Rahul, Kane Williamson, Ambati Rayudu for consistent performances.
These three players have enormous talent and potential, what’s ailed them and KKR is the fact that all of them haven’t clicked regularly. Robin Uthappa has shown signs of good form by scoring 273 runs in 11 games, Chris Lynn has scored 298 runs in the same number of games, but both of them haven’t gone to get a big score yet.
And with their skipper, Dinesh Karthik taking on the mantle of the finisher, something he has done really well this IPL, KKR would be worried about Andre Russell. Undoubtedly amongst the fiercest strikers of the cricket ball in world cricket currently, he hasn’t been completely fit.
He has been unable to complete his quota of four overs and apart from the blitz against CSK at the start of the IPL, Andre’s bat hasn’t done much talking. KKR will definitely trust their player to deliver, but the question to be asked is can he perform to the best of his abilities? KKR certainly need him to, in order to make it to the playoffs.