IPL 6: Match Preview - Injury hit Daredevils take on the Knight Riders

Date – 3/4/2013

Start time – 8.00 p.m (IST)

Defending Champions Kolkata Knight Riders have been hit with injuries as they would miss the services of James Pattinson and McCullum. However, their absence should not cost much as they have quality cricketers in the dressing room, who can exploit this great opportunity. Kolkata Knight Riders, after several poor seasons, had won the IPL Championship last year. Gambhir, Kallis and key factor Narine played a significant role in Kolkata Knight Riders’ triumph. But with Gambhir struggling with form, the young cricketers must perform better so as to provide a chance for KKR. Nevertheless, they have quality foreign cricketers who can take the side out of trouble and it will be interesting to see the four foreigners.

Shakib-ul Hasan wouldn’t be part of Knight Riders as he has commitments with national duty against Zimbabwe. Knight Riders have a drawback for the initial stages, they can push well only with the batting. A comprehensive win in the first match would certainly boost the confidence of Gambhir.

Meanwhile, Daredevils coach Simmons was happy with the fitness of his bowlers. He has said that the inclusion of Nehra in the side strengthens the attack further. In fact, they have a more quality pace-attack than the Knight Riders. Their previous meeting in the Champions League where Daredevils bowlers demolished the Knight Riders top-order is an indication of a quality pace-attack. Morkel and Irfan Pathan have done their job for Daredevils, particularly with the new-ball and Mahela would desperately want them to replicate the same here as well. The ingredient that will be tested is their batting. The middle order doesn’t have the firepower and if the top-order batsmen failed to produce runs, then the middle order would certainly be tested.

However, the middle order would be strengthened with the inclusion of Australia’s Ben Rohrer. He has had a good first class career and has done well in the Big Bash league as well. With Sehwag set to miss the opener, Melborune star Rohrer, alongside his New South Wales teammate David Warner, provides options for Delhi in the batting order. They’re without Kevin Pietersen, and Sehwag. Daredevils, therefore, has to work hard on their batting.

The conditions at Eden Gardens are hot and the surface is expected to be dry. Thus, it should provide an even contest.

Players to watch out for:

Gautam Gambhir - He has recovered from Jaundice. He’s also been out of form and had been dropped for the entire Test series against Australia. But because of the break, he would look fresh. He, therefore, can be a dangerous player for Knight Riders and once he settles, it’s hard to dismiss him.

David Warner – Warner has been in India for more than a month and would have become accustomed to the conditions. He’s been the reliable player at the top of the order alongside Viru. With Virender Sehwag out, the burden has been increased on this man to perform. He knows that the middle order isn’t good enough and, therefore, would want to bat for the entire 20 overs. So he can be dangerous in this situation. You can expect fireworks from him.

Prediction – The wicket at Eden Garden is dry and the conditions are hot. There is no possibility of dew late night. The ground is also not that big. Batting second, therefore, wouldn’t be a bad idea. The side chasing, provided that they bat well, should win the contest

Quotes – “It’s time to play fearless cricket. “I don’t play for individuals but for a team called KKR,” Gambhir said. “I am a part of the team which is the defending champion. I don’t see IPL as my comeback platform.”

“There are a few teams who are struggling with injuries,” Simmons said. “But one of the positives is that they are coming from an injury lay-off and they all are fresh. Umesh Yadav bowled really well at the nets. Hopefully that`s something that would go in our favour.” Coach Eric Simmons