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.
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.