IPL 2018: SRH vs KKR: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) probable playing XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
After Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals play out the supposed quarterfinal in the first of two matches on Saturday (19th May), Kolkata Knight Riders will face Sunrisers Hyderabad to secure their berth in the playoffs. KKR's path to the top four is probably the clearest of the five teams fighting for it - all they need to do is defeat SRH.
However, it doesn't look as simple as it sounds, Sunrisers have suffered two back-to-back losses and CSK are breathing down their neck. This encounter, thus, becomes significant for both the sides.
With a playoff spot at stake, here's how Dinesh Karthik's side might line up in Hyderabad.
Sunil Narine: In KKR's six-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals, Sunil Narine played a crucial hand top of the order with his 7-ball-21. The West Indian has 298 runs at a strike rate of over 180 in 13 matches.
Chis Lynn: Though the Australian hasn't been his usual self, he has steadily scored 374 runs in the tournament at a strike rate of just over 130. He will continue to open the batting for KKR against Hyderabad as well.
Robin Uthappa: The former Karnataka batsman has had quite a few starts in the tournament but has failed to convert them into considerable scores. The wicketkeeper-batsman would do the team a huge favour by playing a substantial knock in their most important match of the tournament.
Nitish Rana: Rana started the tournament in handsome fashion but since his return from a brief injury break he hasn't been as effective. The Delhi all-rounder has 272 runs and four wickets to show for in 12 matches.
Dinesh Karthik: The skipper of the side has probably been their best batsman. Karthik is KKR's top scorer with 412 runs at an average of over 50 and a strike rate of 152. The right-handed batsman has been instrumental for his side and his teammates would want the captain to lead from the front again.
Shubman Gill: Indian's under-19 World Cup hero Shubman Gill hasn't been presented with enough chances in the top order, however, depending upon the match situation, he might be promoted. Gill has 145 runs and a fifty to his name in 10 outings.
Andre Russell: The West Indian all-rounder would be handling the finishing role for the Kolkata-based team. His return to the IPL has been highly impressive as Russell has scored 260 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 192 and has 12 wickets to his name as well. One of the most important players for KKR.
Javon Searles: The West Indian hasn't had much to do in the two matches that he's played except a six off the only ball he has faced so far. But because KKR won their last encounter, Karthik might choose against tinkering with the winning combination.
Piyush Chawla: The leg-spinner was removed in favour of Shivam Mavi in the last match, however, considering that The Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Hyderabad has a lot on offer for the spinners, Chawla could be a handy option. He has picked 11 wickets in 12 outings so far.
Kuldeep Yadav: The chinaman bowler has come roaring back to form in KKR's last encounter against Kings XI. Kuldeep bagged four wickets and conceded only 20 runs in his quota of overs. Karthik would love some more of the same from the wrist-spinner in Hyderabad which is known to assist spinners.
Prasidh Krishna: Krishna was drafted into the side after Shivam Mavi's injury and has been decent since, picking up five wickets in four matches.