IPL 2020: Match 5: Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Mumbai Indians: KKR Predicted XI

Kolkata Knight Riders would be the last of eight teams to begin their IPL campaign on Wednesday when they take on Mumbai Indians in Abu Dhabi. Mumbai Indians, who suffered a defeat at the hands of their nemesis Chennai Super Kings at the same venue on Saturday, will seek a turnaround. And there is no better franchise than the Knight Riders to do that.

Also Read: IPL 2020 Match 5: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians: MI Predicted XI

Mumbai Indians hold a record of 19 victories against Kolkata in their 25 encounters so far. Kolkata Knight Riders, who faced problems with their middle-order last time, have taken measures to plug that hole. The two-time champions also have the most expensive and the best T20 player; hence, the franchise should be optimistic about their chances.

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We take a look at KKR’s playing eleven ahead of their first IPL 2020 game:

Shubman Gill:

Shubman Gill began opening the innings midway last season and was impressive in the six innings he did. In six games that he played in the top order, Shubman Gill has 236 runs alongside three fifties at a healthy average of 47.20.

The 236 runs have come at a strike rate of 140.48, which is significant by any standards. Gill is also a level-headed player, who relies on finding the gaps and swiftly running between the wickets. The 20-year old will open the innings for the Knight Riders.

Sunil Narine:

As a pinch-hitter, who has developed by leaps and bounds over the years, Sunil Narine has become an automatic choice for opening the batting. In 33 innings while opening the batting, Narine has 697 runs at a strike rate of 183.91.

One should not forget the Trinidadian’s ability with the ball in the face of it. He has 122 wickets in 110 games with seven four-wicket hauls and a solitary fifer. Hence, Sunil Narine’s spot pretty much remains unquestionable.

Nitish Rana:

Nitish Rana is a quality middle-order batsman who has all the shots in the book and scores at a brisk rate. In 46 matches so far, Nitish Rana has 1085 runs at a strike rate of 134.62. He will most likely bat at number three.

The number three position gives Rana the license to face more balls and showcase his talent at the death too. In case an early wicket falls, the southpaw could also counterattack with his enterprising stroke-making.

Dinesh Karthik (c&wk):

The number four position seems like an ideal position for the skipper Dinesh Karthik to bat. One of the most experienced players in IPL history, Dinesh Karthik has 3654 runs under his belt in 182 games, striking at 129.80. Batting at number four gives Karthik the launchpad at the death overs.

The other reason for the keeper-batsman to bat at number four is to remain in contention for the T20 World Cup next year at home. Batting at number gives the 34-year old the license to face more balls than coming lower the order. Karthik’s captaincy would also remain under the scanner this time.

Eoin Morgan:

KKR secured English limited-overs captain Eoin Morgan’s services for INR 5.25 crores and will provide that extra stability in the middle-order. Eoin Morgan was hitting the ball well in the ODI series against Australia; however, could not craft a significant knock in any of the matches.

Morgan, who has played IPL before, featured in only 52 matches and scored 854 runs while maintaining a strike rate of 121.13. While it is not a formidable record, the southpaw’s ability could not come under scrutiny. The 34-year old will also assist Dinesh Karthik with all the field placings and tactics.

Rinku Singh:

Rinku Singh has remained with the Kolkata Knight Riders; however, has hardly got an extended run with them. In 53 T20s so far, Rinku Singh has 763 runs at a burgeoning strike rate of 137.

It shows that the left-handed batsman possesses the ability to turn the game and bludgeon a few at the slog overs. Hence, number six would not be a bad position to bat. In 11 IPL games, Singh has only 66 runs, striking at 101.54. However, he is a terrific fielder.

Andre Russell:

Andre Russell is perhaps the heartbeat of the Kolkata Knight Riders’ team, having supernatural abilities to change the game with both bat and ball. Andre Russell’s strike rate of 186 is the highest in IPL history and the ideal position for him to bat is at number seven. He received the player of the tournament last year for 511 runs and 11 scalps.

While the ideal position for Russell might be to bat at number seven, mentor David Hussey has suggested he could at number three if the situation dictates. The 31-year old had a slightly mediocre CPL season this year, scoring 222 runs in nine games striking at 141.40. However, the Jamaican remains an indispensable player for the Knight Riders.

Pat Cummins:

Pat Cummins is the fourth and final overseas player in the playing eleven for the Knight Riders’ opener. Pat Cummins fetched a record-breaking amount of INR 15.5 crores, becoming the highest-earning overseas player in the auction. He will play in IPL for the first time since 2017.

The 26-year old put on inconsistent displays in the white-ball series in England before this; however, remains an irresistible talent. The New South Wales born cricketer should take the new ball. At number eight, Cummins could also whack a few out of the park when needed. In 16 IPL games so far, the speedster has 17 scalps.

Kamlesh Nagarkoti:

Kamlesh Nagarkoti became associated with the Kolkata Knight Riders back in 2018; however, due to recurring injuries, has not played a game. Ahead of the upcoming edition, the 19-year old was declared fit and could rub shoulders with one of the best.

As declared by KKR CEO Venky Mysore, Nagarkoti is also an excellent fielder. The teen prodigy was part of India’s 2018 U-19 World Cup squad that won the tournament by beating Australia in the final. He was amongst the highest wicket-takers in the edition.

Prasidh Krishna:

Prasidh Krishna is one of the upcoming pacemen and has become Kolkata’s regular fixture in the pace-bowling department. Prasidh Krishna bowls pinpoint yorkers in the death overs due to which, he has received plenty of nod. He had a forgettable outing in the last season.

While the 23-year old enjoyed more than an impressive run in 2018, which was his first IPL season, there was a stark contrast in 2019. The right-arm pacer took ten wickets in seven games in 2018 and managed only four scalps last year. However, as a youngster, Krishna deserves chances and he would be keen to turn it around.

Kuldeep Yadav:

Left-arm chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav will share the spinning duties along with Sunil Narine. Kuldeep Yadav not only had a lacklustre last season but also did not perform that well for the national team. However, he will most likely get the chance, expressing his keen desire to play.

In 16 matches in 2018, the 25-year old took 17 wickets, including a four-wicket haul. However, it all went spiralling down last year when his nine appearances yielded only four wickets at 71.50 apiece. Hence, Kuldeep would be keen to set the record straight.