IPL Fantasy 2018, KKR vs MI: 4 tips to help you earn big today
A game against Mumbai Indians is not a game you would look forward to if you are a Kolkata Knight Riders fan. They have a poor record against the Mumbai side but their barren run has to come to a halt at least now to take some momentum into the playoffs.
But for fantasy users, this game is very vital. It has huge potential to fetch you loads of points considering the talent that's present on both sides and with the surface expected to aide strokeplay, this is your chance.
Here are some tips that can help you decide the makeup of your XI:
Rohit at Eden Gardens
I don't think this needs any introduction. The Mumbai Indians skipper enjoys a stupendous record at the Eden Gardens across all formats and he also has a century in the IPL at this venue, against the same opposition.
With MI under pressure to win their remaining games, expect Rohit Sharma to put his hand up once again in a crunch game despite his inconsistent form in this year's IPL. If Rohit does manage to stay until the death, things could get messy for KKR since they don't really have a gun bowler for the slog bowlers.
Narine vs Rohit
Well, if there is one man they can rely upon to counter Rohit, then it's Sunil Narine. The mystery spinner has sent down 94 deliveries to the MI captain in T20 cricket and has conceded only 93 runs, which is a great record. The icing on the cake is the fact that he has also dismissed him seven times in total.
It certainly gives a psychological edge for Narine against Rohit and KKR will do well to use it against the Hitman. But you don't pick a player just to counter another. Narine will be more than handy.
If the likes of Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya fail to read him, then Narine can end up with a bagful of wickets and obviously, he is very dangerous with the bat as well in the powerplay. So all in all, a reliable investment despite the cost being high.
Hard to ignore Hardik
Have you been ignoring Hardik Pandya until now? If yes, then it's time to change your views about him. The all-rounder has stepped up to the plate in the last few games and has been contributing with both bat and ball. Ironically, he is one of the leading contenders to win the purple cap - something no one really saw coming.
Hardik has been very impressive with the ball, mixing his pace up and using the right lengths for different batsmen. He will enjoy the bounce on offer and considering his hatting prowess against spin, he will also like the fact that KKR will be using three spinners.
So the prospect of him contributing with the bat appears high as well. I would personally recommend picking both the Pandya brothers.
Uthappa, Lewis - IN
Two hard-hitting batsmen who like the pace on the ball will absolutely love batting on this surface if it stays true to its potential. Yes, I know Evin Lewis has been struggling but he did show signs of hitting form in the previous game against the same opposition and on this good track against an attack that isn't exactly intimidating, I would back him to deliver.
Robin Uthappa, on the other hand, has been timing the ball as well as he has ever done in the IPL, but the big scores were evading him in bizarre fashion.
Finally, he broke the deadlock with a vital fifty in the previous game which could kickstart something special if he can manage to retain his focus on the crease. With the spinners not expected to do a lot of damage, Uthappa against MI pacers could be mouth-watering stuff.