IPL 2018: Kris Srikkanth Backs KKR to Win the Eliminator Against Rajasthan Royals

Former Team India skipper Kris Srikkanth is of the opinion that Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Dinesh Karthik has been a revelation for his franchise. Many had doubted his abilities before the start of the tournament.

However, Karthik has led KKR quite admirably. He has handled his relatively young bunch of players to perfection. They ended up winning eight of their 14 group matches. They will meet Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the eliminator clash on Wednesday (May 23).

Ahead of the knockout clash, Srikkanth backed Kolkata to win the match.

“The manner in which Dinesh Karthik has rallied his troops and also led from the front, is the biggest success story of the IPL, in my opinion. His exuberance might mask the fact that the Tamil Nadu lad has been a part of the Indian team for close to 14 years. Karthik has proved there is no substitute for experience,” wrote Srikkanth for ToI.

Srikkanth led India in four Tests and 13 One-day Internationals.

“Kolkata finished a creditable third in the points tally, thanks to them discovering the near-perfect team combination. Karthik might have arrived at this by a trial and error method but that should not take anything away from him for backing his instincts,” maintained Srikkanth.

Also Read: IPL 2018: Eliminator 1st, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals – Statistical Preview

“Karthik is KKR’s top run-getter with 438, an average of close to 55 and a strike rate hovering at 150, tells the tale. He has taken the responsibility to guide chases. When a captain does this well, it lifts the morale of the team no end,” he added.

Srikanth further claimed the depth of KKR’s batting as the biggest plus for them.

“One look at their batting order suggests they have all the bases filled. From a rollicking opening duo to the steady hands of Karthik and Uthappa in the middle to the dashing finisher in Andre Russell, Kolkata looks a side that cannot be written off even if they are to lose a couple of early wickets,” he further added.

Srikanth couldn’t find a way for Royals to beat Kolkata. Rajasthan will miss the services of Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes in the playoffs due to their national assignment.

“It would only be stating the obvious that, Rajasthan will miss the dynamic Jos Butler and the all-round presence of Ben Stokes. They need to be on top of their game to challenge Kolkata, who looks to be in better rhythm. Playing at home gives KKR a vital advantage as well,” Srikkanth pointed out.

Kris Srikkanth further asserted host will have a massive advantage in this Eliminator first while taking on resurgent Royals.

“Rajasthan would be wary of Ajinkya Rahane’s strike rate. The skipper does pull the team down with a sub-120 strike rate. Once the initial push is lost, it will become extremely difficult for the visitors to play catch up. Not one to predict T20 games, but I have to admit, Kolkata go into this one with a massive advantage,” Kris stated.

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