IPL 2019, Match 6- Kolkata Knight Riders vs Kings XI Punjab- KKR Predicted XI
Updated - 26 Mar 2019, 06:33 PM
Kolkata Knight Riders started off their IPL 12 campaign with a close-fought victory against the Sunrisers Hyderabad courtesy a special knock from the blade of Andre Russell. He smashed 19 balls 49 and helped KKR chase down a stiff target of 182 in their allotted 20 overs.
Russell went berserk in the last 3 overs with 53 required off the last 3 overs. It was Shubhman Gill who struck a couple of sixes in the last over of Shakib Al Hasan to help KKR register a 6 wickets victory with a couple of deliveries to spare.
The KKR think tank is unlikely to change their winning combination and might go for the same XI tomorrow against the Kings XI Punjab.
With the 6th match of the tournament slated to be played in 24 hours time let us have a look at KKR’s predicted XI for the match.
Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted XI
Chris Lynn
The Australian power hitter smashed a six off Shakib Al Hasan but was dismissed in the very next delivery in an attempt to play another big shot. Lynn has been a big player for Kolkata Knight Riders over the years and his presence at the top of the order will surely benefit the team. Chris Lynn will surely look to get back among runs in their 2nd game against the Kings XI Punjab.
Sunil Narine
Despite Nitish Rana’s heroics in the last game opening the batting, I will still prefer Narine at the top of the order due to his exceptional hitting abilities in the powerplay. Even if he scores a quickfire 20 opening the batting it will be beneficial for KKR. With the ball in hand, he is a master. However, he had an off day against Hyderabad and will look to revive himself.
Nitish Rana
Photo by: Prashant Bhoot /SPORTZPICS for BCCI
The southpaw scored a magnificent half-century against the SUnrisers Hyderabad. He took on the charge when KKR was in a precarious situation and was losing wickets at the other end. He built a good partnership with Robin Uthappa. Rana was eventually dismissed on 68 of 47 deliveries. His knock was studded with 8 fours and 3 sixes.
Robin Uthappa
The veteran batsman played well the other day but couldn’t quite carry on and get his team over the line. Uthappa is an asset to the KKR squad and his performance in the tournament will be crucial to the franchise’s chances in the tournament. He has the ability to strike the big shots at will and a big knock might be just around the corner.
Shubhman Gill
Gill smashed a couple of sixes of Shakib Al Hasan in the final over of their first game against Hyderabad which helped KKR seal the victory. The team management will look to play him at the top of the order. However, in a situation like the previous encounter, Gill might be the perfect foil for Andre Russell to finish of a run chase.
Dinesh Karthik
He is arguably the most important member of the team and his form will be crucial for Kolkata through the course of the tournament. He was deceived by a terrific slower delivery from Sandeep Sharma in the previous encounter. Last year Karthik was instrumental in getting his team to the playoffs. Karthik should look to get back among runs and handle his troops well tomorrow.
Andre Russell
The big man from Windies played a match-winning knock not long ago. Russell is an asset to any T20 team. He lends the ideal balance to the team given his all-round abilities. He bowled well in the first match and bagged a couple of wickets. With the bat in hand, Russell smashed a sensational 49 of 19 deliveries which included 4 fours and 4 sixes.
Piyush Chawla
The veteran leg-spinner has been part of the KKR squad for a long time. He is a wily leg-spinner but his fielding is an area of concern. Chawla bagged the wicket of Jonny Bairstow in the last match and returned with figures of 1/23 in 3 overs. He is expected to be part of the Playing XI tomorrow.
Kuldeep Yadav
The left-arm chinaman bowler is one of the finest limited overs bowler currently. His wicket-taking abilities set him apart from his peers. He had a mediocre day against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, given his class, Kuldeep will be an important member of the KKR squad as the tournament progresses.
Lockie Ferguson
The Kiwi fast bowler failed to make an impression the other day and went onto conceded 34 runs in his 4 overs spell without bagging a wicket. Despite his indifferent performance, he should be given another chance to prove himself. Hence he should be part of the Playing XI in tomorrow’s game against the Kings XI Punjab.
Prasidh Krishna
The young fast bowler from Karnataka has been a good inclusion for KKR since last year. He didn’t manage to scalp a wicket in the first game against Hyderabad but troubled a few batters. Prasidh Krishna will be one local bowler with whom KKR is expected to persist for a long time.
