IPL 2018: Match 44: Kings XI Punjab vs Kolkata Knight Riders - Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted XI

IPL 2018: 44th Match: KXIP vs KKR – Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted XI

Kolkata Knight Riders will travel to Indore to take on Kings XI Punjab in the 44th match of the IPL 2018. Dinesh Karthik-led team has won five games out of the eleven they have played. Consequently, they find themselves at the fifth place on the points table.

On the other hand, Kings XI Punjab is in a better situation after winning six matches out of the ten they have played. However, both of these teams are coming on the back of a loss and thus would like to get a win under their belt.

When both of these teams had met early in the season, Kings XI Punjab had cruised to a nine-wicket win through the DLS method. Meanwhile, the tournament sits in a situation where any of these teams cannot afford any more hiccups.

Kolkata Knight Riders will like to give their best shot today as a loss against Punjab can push them towards the exit doors of the tournament.

Here is a look at the Predicted Playing XI of the Kolkata Knight Riders

Chris Lynn

Chris Lynn hasn’t looked at the top of his game because of his fitness. However, the Australian power-hitter will like to repeat his previous match performance against KXIP, as he had scored 74 against them.

Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine generally bats with the approach of ‘Watch the ball and hit the ball.’ However, this strategy comes with its merits as well as demerits.

Moreover, Narine can impede runs by putting a handcuff on batsmen’s wrist.

Quick Read: IPL 2018: Sunil Narine Dismisses Rohit Sharma for Record Sixth Time

Robin Uthappa

Robin Uthappa is running like a runner who is giving a good start to his team in a relay race. However, the flamboyant batsman hasn’t able to run all the way with the baton in his hand.

Nitish Rana

Nitish Rana is repeating the performance of the previous edition. The southpaw shows great form in the first half of the season, but he is veering off the track in the second half of the tournament.

Andre Russell

Andre Russell hasn’t looked at the top of his game in the last couple of matches because of his fitness. Nonetheless, the Windies power hitter will like to hit the paddle running in the upcoming imperative matches.

Shubman Gill

Gill is expected to make a return to playing XI.

Simon Katich has confirmed that Shubman Gill has retained his full fitness. Thus, the young talent must make his way back into the playing XI.

Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik is technically the best player in the Kolkata’s camp along with Robin Uthappa. The skipper is doing a fine job in providing finishing touches like a sculptor. However, it won’t be a bad idea if he bats up the order.

Also read: IPL 2018: Dinesh Karthik Still Eyeing Playoff Spot After Heavy Loss Against Mumbai Indians

Tom Curran 

Tom Curran has impressed in the limited opportunities he has received. Meanwhile, the England fast bowler should get another shot in the final XI.

Piyush Chawla

Piyush Chawla was expensive in the last match against defending champions. Consequently, Dinesh Karthik should ponder on his strategy to give the ball to spinners in the end phase of the innings.

Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav had also taken the hammering in the last game like his fellow spinner. Meanwhile, Yadav hasn’t able to repeat his Indian team form in the IPL.

Vinay Kumar

Vinay Kumar was shown the exit doors after he had taken the beating against CSK in the early phase of the tournament. However, the veteran can be roped in place of Prasidh Krishna who is also proving to be expensive.

Quick Read: IPL 2018: 44th Match, KXIP vs KKR Kings XI Punjab Predicted XI