IPL 2023: Match 28, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Predicted Playing XI vs Delhi Capitals

With just two wins in five games in the ongoing Indian Premier League 2023, Kolkata Knight Riders are in a tight spot at the moment. Even though their batters have done reasonably well so far, bowling is one area that is bothering the two-time champions. 

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Notably, the team will next take on Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on April 20 and even though the David Warner-led side is yet to win a match, it is going to be a tough outing for the visiting side.

So, will the Nitish Rana-led side make any changes to the playing XI? Will Jason Roy make his debut replacing Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who has failed in the last couple of games or will they bring Mandeep Singh back into the mix? Lockie Ferguson’s form is also a matter of concern at the moment. Thus, KKR have a lot of options to choose from. Will they make any changes though? Let’s dive straight into that -

Here's Kolkata Knight Riders predicted XI against Delhi Capitals

Openers: Jason Roy, Narayan Jagadeesan (wk)

England opener Jason Roy is very likely to make his KKR debut against Delhi Capitals. Rahmanullah Gurbaz started well but unfortunately, the Afghan youngster has failed to keep up with his consistency and that’s why the team management may turn to Roy, who is known for his ferocious striking. He was in terrific form in the recent Pakistan Super League and thus, he might get into the mix to prove his worth in the IPL.

On the other hand, Narayan Jagadeesan may retain his spot despite poor performances so far. He might also take the responsibility of keeping the stumps in the absence of Gurbaz but batting is one such area that Jagadeesan needs to work on immediately. Otherwise, the team may bring back Mandeep Singh into the playing XI.

Middle Order: Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana (c), Rinku Singh

Venkatesh Iyer is in tremendous form in the ongoing season. After having a rough year in 2022, the cricketer faced a lot of criticism and trolling but he answered them all with his bat. In five matches so far, the KKR batter has scored 234 runs and with that, he currently is second on the IPL Orange Cap list. If he manages to wreak havoc once again, it will be a long night for the DC bowlers.

Nitish Rana meanwhile has shown hunger with the bat. The skipper played a brilliant innings of 75 runs against Sunrisers Hyderabad and overall, he has scored 150 runs in five matches. However, being the leader of the pack, he will have to take more responsibility as players like Rinku Singh and Shardul Thakur may not succeed in delivering every time.

Rinku Singh is in sublime form at the moment. The Aligarh-born cricketer has scored 174 runs at a strike rate of 162.61 so far in the competition. He has been one of the most consistent performers for the two-time champions and will be hoping to continue in the same manner as KKR desperately need him to finish games on a consistent basis.

All-rounders: Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shardul Thakur

Andre Russel’s form is a matter of huge concern for KKR. The all-rounder has been very poor with the bat and also conceded 17 runs with the ball in one over against Mumbai Indians. Thus, things are not going well for the all-rounder. However, if he manages to live up to his potential, Russell can change the complexion of any game. Thus, KKR are patient with him at the moment, but how long is the question?

Sunil Narine registered his worst figure in IPL history in KKR’s last match against MI. However, the team management will not be much worried as the off-spinner is known for making great comebacks. Against Delhi, he will be ready to make the ball talk, especially when their batters are not in great form at the moment.

Shardul Thakur's case in the ongoing IPL seems pretty curious. The fast bowling all-rounder is known for his exploits with the ball but has not been given a consistent run in terms of bowling thus far. He rather has been adding to his batting credentials with his performances for the franchise.

Thus, just like Russell, how long KKR can carry someone who’s not offering much? After all, he is coming to bat at number seven or eight and bowling just one or two overs.

Bowlers: Umesh Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Varun Chakravarthy

The pace duo of Umesh Yadav and Lockie Ferguson has not worked wonders for KKR so far. Umesh still managed to remain economical in a couple of matches but the same cannot be said for Lockie. KKR spent a lot of money in order to sign the Kiwi pacer but it hasn’t worked out well so far. Despite so, they are very likely to retain him in the XI over Tim Southee as his express pace can trouble Delhi batters.

Spin wizard Varun Chakravarthy is playing some really good cricket at the moment. He has picked up seven wickets so far in five matches and in Delhi, where the pitch often assists the spinners, he can wreak havoc.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Probable Playing XI:

Jason Roy, Narayan Jagadeesan (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana (c), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Varun Chakravarthy

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Probable Impact Players

Suyash Sharma, Litton Das, Anukul Roy, Mandeep Singh, Tim Southee