In the 18th match of the ongoing season, eleven of the Indian Premier League, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will host Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). Both teams are coming into the match after a win in their last match.
Thus, both of them will look to carry on the impetus. Two-time champions Knight Riders have won three matches out of the five they have played so far. Skipper Dinesh Karthik-led side is currently perched at the second place in the IPL 2018 points table.
Kolkata’s middle order has done a good job thus far for the franchise. Their top order especially Chris Lynn has found it difficult to get his timing going. The hosts potent spin battery has also delivered the goods for the team.
Here is a look at the Predicted XI of the Kolkata Knight Riders:
Chris Lynn:
The aggressive Australian batsman Chris Lynn has looked out of sorts so far.
The right-hander has failed to find his timing in the ongoing season. He is also wary of his shoulder injury which has limited him to give his 100% in the shortest format in particular.
However, it should be noted that Lynn is one good knock away from finding his touch.
The Queensland-based batsman will definitely get a shot in the arm if he is able to play one good knock.
Sunil Narine:
Sunil Narine hasn’t able to repeat the same magic with the bat as he did in the first match against Royal Challengers Bangalore. However, the Windies all-rounder has been able to continue his fine form with the ball.
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The Trinidadian player will look to continue his good show overall.
Robin Uthappa:
An experienced campaigner Robin Uthappa will look to make most of his starts.
The flamboyant batter Uthappa has looked in fine touch as of now. The right-hander is timing the ball to perfection.
However, the Karnataka batsman would be a touch disappointed as he has failed to convert his starts into a substantial score.
Nitish Rana:
Nitish Rana is becoming the cynosure of all eyes in the 11th season of the tournament. The Delhi lad is playing with responsibility in the middle order.
Furthermore, he is also chipping in with the ball as a part-time spinner.
Dinesh Karthik:
This is the first time that Dinesh Karthik is leading in an IPL season. Taking this into account, he is leading the side with aplomb. His captaincy decisions have been spot on.
The Tamil Nadu-based batsman has also done a good job with the bat as well as behind the wickets.
Andre Russell:
Andre Russell has provided a fine finishing touch to KKR on a couple of occasions. Windies all-rounder’s brutal force has helped him clear the fence with great ease.
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However, he hasn’t contributed with the ball as spinners are getting the job done in style.
MMoreover he is also chipping in with his electric fielding.
Shubman Gill:
Inexperienced batsman Shubman Gill is handed over a difficult job of batting in the lower order. Thus, he is not getting many balls to face.
However, many pundits believe that the Punjab player can be best utilized at the top of the order.
Shivam Mavi:
Shivam Mavi has impressed one and all with his brisk pace. The youngster was on the expensive side in the last match. Hence, he would like to bowl with better control.
Tom Curran:
England bowler Tom Curran is doing a fine job with the ball for the Kolkata franchise. The South African born bowler had scalped two wickets in the last match.
Piyush Chawla:
Piyush Chawla is making the most of his experience in the tourney. The leg-spinner had bowled with an economy of 4.5 in the previous match.
Consequently, the spinner from Uttar Pradesh was able to hold a tight grip owing to the proceedings.
Kuldeep Yadav:
Kuldeep Chawla is another Kolkata’s spinner who has been breathing down the neck of the opposition batsmen.
The mystery chinaman spinner had scalped one wicket and conceded only 23 runs in his quota of four overs in the previous match for Kolkata Knight Riders.
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