IPL 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders strongest predicted playing XI against Gujarat Titans

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Gujarat Titans (GT) will be up against each other in the 63rd match of the IPL 2024. The match has consequence on the qualification of Gujarat Titans. While KKR has been the most impressive side with good batting and bowling performances, GT has been the most disappointing side this season. KKR has already qualified for the playoffs and GT still has a slim chance.

The match between the two sides is set to take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on the 13th of May 2024 at 7:30 PM (IST). The last time these two sides faced each other at the venue, an incredible match unfolded. Rinku Singh pulled off an insane run chase as he smashed five sixes in a row off Yash Dayal when 28 runs were needed in the last five balls of the game. In the same match, Rashid Khan had claimed a hat-trick to put KKR under huge pressure.

Players from both teams can take the match as a good opportunity to return to form. The players who are already in the form can try and improve it with their performances. If KKR wins the match, they will surely be getting a ticket to play Qualifier 1. If GT manages to win, they might still remain in the hunt. It might be considered a dead rubber by some though but there are chances of both teams trying some players who have not gotten opportunities so far. 

Check Here: GT vs KKR Dream11 Team Prediction

Here is the strongest predicted playing XI of KKR for the 63rd match of the IPL 2024 against GT -

Openers - Phil Salt (WK) and Sunil Narine

KKR will continue to back their openers. The duo of Phil Salt and Sunil Narine has been one of the best in the ongoing league. At one end, they have Sunil Narine who can go bonkers at the top. Barring a few games, he has looked comfortable and played good shots more often than not. In some of the games, he played impactful cameos and helped his side. In other games, he played a bit longer, applied himself in the middle, and went after the bowlers to set a good platform for his side.

Not to forget, Narine is at his best with the ball. The right-arm spinner has been highly economical and has taken wickets if the batters tried to take risks against him. At the other end, KKR has unleashed the fury of Phil Salt. The right-handed batter has been phenomenal in the league. With his aggression at the top, Salt can smash the best bowlers in the world. Even as a wicket-keeper, Salt has been good. His glove work has been underappreciated and won KKR some important matches. 

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Middle Order - Nitish Rana, Shreyas Iyer (C), Rinku Singh, and Ramandeep Singh

In the middle order, KKR is filled with local talents. Angkrish Raghuvanshi was dropped at the cost of Nitish Rana against MI. At number 3, Rana is likely to continue as he can act as a bridge between the top order and the middle order. He can bat aggressively and anchor the innings. Shreyas Iyer will bat at number 4 or 5. His captaincy has been appreciable. But Iyer needs to be consistent with the bat. He has had a rollercoaster of a journey in the season as a batter.

At number 6, Rinku will be the first designated finisher of KKR. In the last 7-8 seasons, KKR's batting was heavily dependent on their finishers. In the ongoing season, while they have a settled opener, finishing is still the key factor in KKR's lineup. Rinku is the prime finisher in KKR. To follow him, the home side has a talented batter like Ramandeep Singh. He has played a few cameos that have changed the complexion of KKR's innings. The two-time champions would hope him to continue his consistent run.

Also Check: Who will win today’s IPL match between GT and KKR?

All-rounders - Venkatesh Iyer and Andre Russell

KKR has a good set of all-rounders. Venkatesh Iyer bats at number 4 or 5 for KKR. In these positions, Iyer has played a few good knocks. But he does not seem to be at his best. In the last few games, Venkatesh has been batting well. While he can be handy with the ball, KKR might not need his services consistently. His batting form will be important for KKR going into the fag end of the tournament. Venkatesh is a good fielder in the outfield and can save some runs with his efforts. 

At number 8, KKR has an ever-reliant Andre Russell. The giant has been in great form as an all-rounder in the league. One can never keep the Caribbean player out of the game. He either finishes the innings with the bat well or is handy with the ball. At his best, Russell can win matches on his own both with the bat and ball. In the last match against MI, the right-arm pacer claimed a couple of wickets and choked the opposition with his timely spells in the middle overs.

Check Here: GT vs KKR Live Score, Match 63

Bowlers - Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, and Vaibhav Arora (Impact substitute)

The home side has some of the best bowlers in the world in their lineup. With the new ball, they have a world-class pacer like Mitchell Starc. Unfortunately, his form is a concern for the two-time champions. But given the class of the left-arm pacer, he can be trusted to return to form at any stage in the league. He is also a key death bowler for KKR. Harshit Rana has been a revelation as a bowler for KKR. He tries to outfox the batters with a change in lengths and pace. His ability to bowl in the death has been crucial for KKR. 

With the new ball, they have an option like Vaibhav Arora who can be in the side as an impact player. With the new ball, he can swing either way and take wickets. In the middle overs, the spin duo of Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy is likely to operate. Narine can also bowl at the death. Varun can bowl in the powerplay overs and take wickets. Harshit also operates in the middle overs. KKR has a dynamic bowling line where the bowlers can perform different roles.

Also Check: Purple Cap in IPL 2024 - Most Wickets

KKR's Predicted XI against GT:

Phil Salt (WK), Sunil Narine, Nitish Rana, Shreyas Iyer (C), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy. 

Impact Substitute: Vaibhav Arora