IPL 2018: 37th Match, MI vs KKR - Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted XI

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will travel to reigning champions Mumbai Indians’ (MI) den for the 37th match of Indian Premier League (IPL_ 2018. Dinesh Karthik-led Knight Riders have had won five matches out of the nine they have played. Consequently, they are at the third place on the points table.

Kolkata will like to dent Indians owing to the qualification hopes for the playoff stage.

Men in Purple had won their last match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and that win must have done them a world of good.

Youngsters like Shubman Gill and Shivam Mavi are coming up the ranks. Subsequently, this is great to note that the talented players are given the exposure.

On the other hand, every match is a do or die situation for the defending champions Indians. They have won only three matches out of the nine and are hanging by a thread. But they are known to bail themselves out of such situations and there is no reason why they can’t do it again.

The hosts are also coming into the contest with a win behind their back.

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

Chris Lynn

Chris Lynn has had a Yo-Yo type of the season. Sometimes Lynn has comfortably found the middle of the bat whereas, sometimes it is seen that he has struggled to score runs.

Sunil Narine:

As always, Sunil Narine is quietly doing his job. Narine is proving decent start at the top of the order and he is also continuing his domination (with the ball) in a format which is considered as a bowler’s nemesis.

Also Read: IPL 2018: Shubman Gill, Sunil Narine Clinch a Comfortable Win for Knight Riders

Robin Uthappa:

Robin Uthappa has scored in the thirties on a plethora of occasions in the ongoing season.

However, the flamboyant batsman hasn’t able to convert them into daddy scores.

Nitish Rana:

Nitish Rana is available for selection as he is fit again. This is going to be a shot in the arm for the two-times champions as Rana has scored freely in the middle order.

Shubman Gill:

Exuberant Shubman Gill showed what a fine talent he possesses in the last match. It is a great exposure for the Under-19 sensation to play with and against best in the business.

Also Read: IPL 2018: Sachin Tendulkar was the reason to watch cricket, fall in love with batting, says Shubman Gill

Dinesh Karthik:

Dinesh Karthik has not only led from the front but also he has provided finishing touches to the Kolkata innings like a sculptor does to his art.

Karthik is also putting his weight behind the young talent which is great to note.

Andre Russell:

Andre Russell coming down the order gives a lot of confidence to the middle order. The Windies all-rounder has taken the role of a finisher with both his hands.

Kolkata is doing a fine job in promoting the young talent.

Shivam Mavi:

Shivam Mavi has continued to impress like Prithvi Shaw and Shubman Gill. It is great to note that these Under-19 players are taking notes from the best players.

Piyush Chawla:

Piyush Chawla has used his all his experience with guile. The leg-spinner is bowling in the difficult phases (powerplay and death overs) of the innings and has delivered the goods.

Tom Curran:

As Mitchell Johnson is turning out to be expensive, Kolkata can settle with England fast bowler Tom Curran.

The South African-born pacer has impressed in the limited opportunities he has received.

Kuldeep Yadav:

Kuldeep Yadav is also doing a fine job for the Kolkata franchise. The mystery chinaman is learning from his lessons while bowling with experience duo of Sunil Narine and Piyush Chawla.

Quick Read: IPL 2018: Dinesh Karthik Predicts a Great Future for Shubman Gill