KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer. Photo- IPL
KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer. Photo- IPL

With a new captain in Shreyas Iyer, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were expected to fire strongly. But what happened until now has been totally opposite. The Kolkata-based franchise has struggled to find a consistent opening pair and their spinners have also failed to pick wickets in the middle overs.

However, the Russell Muscle has allowed them to stay alive in the tournament with 12 points in 13 games. KKR does not have its future in the tournament in its own hands. They will hope the result of the teams above them in the points table goes their way and if everything falls into place, KKR might qualify as the fourth team.

Andre Russell (Pic Credit-IPL)
Andre Russell. (Photo: IPL)

KKR Win 2 Games On The Trot

Shreyas Iyer settled on a striking decision at the toss and chose to bat first and Kolkata figured out how to get an excellent score on the board with Andre Russell showing his strength in the last overs. Nonetheless, Kolkata was under the siphon most of the way during that innings yet Kane Williamson presumably made a mistake when he didn’t give Umran Malik a third over on the jog when he took three wickets in his initial two overs.

KKR vs SRH
KKR vs SRH (Credits: Twitter)

Kolkata took the energy of the first innings to their bowling innings and bowled firmly in the Powerplay. Russell indeed gave the main forward leap and disposed of Kane Williamson and afterward, Southee got the big fish, Rahul Tripathi.

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Narine was a little costly in his initial two overs as Abhishek Sharma chose to target him however Varun Chakravarthy was splendid and got the wicket of Sharma and with Markram getting dismissed in the fifteenth over, it was all Kolkata after that. Russell got done with three wickets and Southee with two to cover off an overwhelming execution.

KKR’s Qualification Hopes Depended On Other Teams

The Shreyas Iyer-drove side is currently in the 6th spot in the points table with 12 points in 13 games (6 wins and 7 defeats). The men dressed in purple and gold have dominated consecutive matches and will hope to win their last league match to arrive at 14 focuses yet that won’t promise them a spot in the best four.

Sunil Narine of KKR. Photo- IPL
KKR. Photo- IPL

For KKR to qualify for the next round, first they have to defeat LSG and after that, they need DC and RCB to lose their next game. It will make sure all the teams are on 14 points after 14 games. Afterward, the NRR will come into play and only DC will give them some competition in that sense. Whichever team has a better NRR will qualify for the playoffs.

Also Read: RR Qualification Scenario: How Rajasthan Royals Can Qualify For IPL 2022 Playoffs?

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