IPL 2021: 3 Stars From Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Who Can Be Game Changers Against Sunrisers Hyderabad

It has been seven years since Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have won an IPL trophy — and they will be looking to start their campaign with a win against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Kolkata franchise won the IPL in 2012 as well as 2014 and they will be looking for their third title this time around. Kolkata finished 5th on the points table, last year.

The new captain Eoin Morgan will have a lot to say in the Kolkata dug out which hasn’t performed up to the expectations. The last five encounters between the two teams have fallen in the favor of Kolkata who has won three times while Sunrisers have gone on to win two times. Here are 3 stars from Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) who can be game-changers against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

3 Stars From Kolkata Knight Riders(KKR) Who Can Be Game Changers:

Andre Russell:

Russell did not have the best of IPL last year and his downfall was a major reason in Kolkata Knight Riders not qualifying for the playoffs. KKR relies too much on him and the pressure on him has taken a toll on his form too. He was splendid in the 2019 season and turned out to be a sensation for KKR.

Russell’s form will be a crucial factor in defining the success of the KKR team. The big man has been out of international action for a long time now and he will be looking to make a statement in this year’s IPL. He can change a match in no time and is one of the best game-changers in the world right now.

Shubman Gill:

Shubman Gill was the leading run-scorer in the IPL for the Kolkata Knight Riders last season and he still has a lot to offer for the franchise in the coming years. He did a good job in the Australian tour down under and was picked up for the England Test and ODI series. He will be looking to get some big scores on the board.

Gill will open the batting for Kolkata Knight Riders and he must play the anchor role by allowing the batsmen in the other end to take on the bowlers. It has been a roller coaster ride for him so far and this will be a big opportunity for him to score a lot of runs and make his way into the Indian T20 team for the World Cup.

Pat Cummins:

The Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins was the most expensive player in the last IPL auction but he couldn’t replicate his heroics in international cricket and the price tag was a big question mark. He looked to have got his rhythm going in the last few games of the IPL 2020 and it will be interesting to see if he has a good season which will be important to Kolkata’s plans.

Kolkata Knight Riders have a lot of inexperienced Indian pacers who have got raw pace but lack control to bowl in the right line and lengths. Hence, Cummins will hold the key to be the spearhead of the bowling attack and his powerplay overs will be crucial in providing early breakthroughs.