IPL 2020: Match 42: Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Delhi Capitals: KKR Predicted XI

The 42nd match of the Indian Premier League will see Kolkata Knight Riders [KKR] square-off against the Delhi Capitals [DC] at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

After having suffered a humiliating 8-wicket defeat against the Royal Challengers Bangalore, where their batting-unit managed a shambolic 8-84 in 20 overs, the Eoin Morgan-led unit will be looking to stage redemption.

Here’s a look at KKR’s probable playing XI against DC-

Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill is averaging a respectable 34.67 after having scored 312 runs in 10 innings with the help of two 50s.

But the disappointing aspect of his batting has been his strike-rate. Gill has gone about his business at a mere 111.83, and his inability to give his side a brisk start or taking his innings to the next gear has hugely hampered his side, something he would be hoping to shrug off in the all-important game against DC.

 

Rahul Tripathi

After scoring a half-century in his maiden stint as an opener earlier in the tournament, Rahul Tripathi’s form has tapered off substantially.

Tripathi was dismissed for a 5-ball 1 in the last game by Mohammed Siraj.

 

Nitish Rana

Nitish Rana’s form has been one of the biggest disappointments of the season thus far.

The southpaw has just not been able to make the most of his opportunities, and with the opening pair already struggling, Rana’s horrible form has further compounded the issue and has exerted a lot of pressure on the likes of Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik in the middle-order.

 

Tom Banton

Tom Banton had failed to make the most of the two chances that he has received in the IPL thus far.

Banton was dismissed for an 8-ball 10 in the last game and with Sunil Narine available for selection, it will be interesting to see whether KKR persists with young Banton, or will they go back to the off-spinner.

 

Dinesh Karthik (WK)

Speaking of Dinesh Karthik, the former KKR skipper was once again promoted ahead of captain Eoin Morgan in the last game against RCB.

And, just like the previous experiments, this one failed too as DK fell for a painstaking 14-ball 4 against, you know who, a leg-spinner in Yuzvendra Chahal.

 

Eoin Morgan (C)

Eoin Morgan is an ideal No.4 white-ball batsman and so it has really baffling to see him bat so low down the order in this IPL.

In the last game too, when Morgan should have promoted himself and address the slide, he preferred to come at No.6, where he managed a 34-ball 30.

With KKR’s batting in a disarray, Morgan should promote himself up the order and take stock of the innings. Will he do that against DC?

 

Pat Cummins

Pat Cummins batting form has been brilliant in the IPL thus far. The fast bowler has chipped in with important cameos- barring the last game of-course, where he managed a 17-ball 4- for his side, while batting at No.7.

But, it is his bowling form that would be a real concern for the management. Cummins has thus far managed just three wickets in 10 games at an average of 98.67 and an economy of 8.22.

 

Kuldeep Yadav

Kuldeep Yadav came back in the side after having sat out of a number of games during KKR’s outing against SRH.

The leggie troubled SRH batsmen and especially Warner, but wasn’t able to pick up a wicket during his three-over spell. In the last game, the chinaman spinner did not get to bowl, and he would be rearing to prove his worth in the all-important game against DC.

 

Lockie Ferguson

Lockie Ferguson has been the lone shining light for KKR in the past few games.

The Kiwi bolter has made an immediate impression by claiming 4 wickets in just two games- excluding the two in the Super Over.

In fact, Ferguson was the major reason behind KKR winning the fixture against SRH. The pacer claimed three wickets during the main game before chipping in with two more in the Super Over.

It was baffling that Morgan did not throw the ball to Ferguson straightaway in the last game. He once again bowled after the powerplay where he dismissed Aaron Finch.

 

Varun Chakravarty

Varun Chakravarty has been brilliant for KKR this season. The leg-spinner has chipped in with crucial wickets and when he hasn’t picked up wickets, he has ensured that he kept the scoreboard tight.

In 9 games, Chakravarty has claimed 7 wickets at an average of 37.43 and an economy rate of 7.28.

 

Prasidh Krishna

KKR have been playing musical chairs when it comes to picking their Indian pacer from Shivam Mavi, Prasidh Krishna, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti.

In the last game, they brought back Krishna. And, while he did not have a great outing (0-20 in 2.3 overs), one can expect the management to persist with him for at least one more game.

Also Read- IPL 2020: Match 43: Kings XI Punjab Vs SunRisers Hyderabad: KXIP Predicted XI