IPL 10, Match 27, KKR v RCB - Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted XI

Another crackerjack of a match is expected as Kolkata Knight Riders take on Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday (April 23). KKR would be looking to recover from a demoralizing defeat to the bottom-ranked, Gujarat Lions in their last match. On the other hand, RCB will be confident going in this game as they crushed the same side.

There is a fair amount of history between these two sides, which have previously come to blows during the IPL. It is not only a match to look out for in terms of who wins or who loses, but also because this is a match between two rival captains Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli.

KKR batsmen have been able to complement their bowlers and put a decent total which helps the bowlers defend scores successfully. This has perched them to the second place with four wins in their first six matches.

Here is the CricTracker’s KKR Predicted XI for the KKR vs RCB encounter:

Openers (Gautam Gambhir and Sunil Narine):

It is unlikely that KKR will tinker with their opening combination. Both Sunil Narine and Gautam Gambhir would like to repeat what they have done in past.

Narine’s consistency and contribution have helped Kolkata to occupy the second spot. The West Indian was promoted up the order to open the innings in the absence of Chris Lynn and has utilized the opportunity with both hands. Scoring 42 runs of 17 deliveries which was laced with nine fours and a six will have the task of providing a blistering start against RCB.

The left-hander is connecting the ball nicely and has provided perfect starts to KKR in the past. In 6 matches, Gambhir has already played some match winning knocks and scored 229 runs at an average of 57. Provided the talent and experience he has, GG is expected to deliver and provide a good start to his team every time.

Middle Order (Robin Uthappa and Manish Pandey and Suryakumar Yadav):

Robin Uthappa, who bats at No.3 for KKR in this tweaked lineup has accumulated 3564 runs at an average of over 29, speaks volumes about his technique and ability to stick on the wicket. Uthappa has been a part of KKR for a while now and features in every playing eleven.

Manish Pandey has been in a decent form in recent past and provides stability top of the order. Pandey’s role is to anchor the innings and rotate the strike so that the other batsmen can play freely. The spot in the Indian team has definitely helped him and has increased his stature as a batsman. Pandey has scored 245 runs in 5 innings at an astonishing strike-rate of 146.

Suryakumar Yadav came into the limelight in last year’s IPL where he set an example. Yadav has the ability to hit big sixes and can fire up momentum in the innings. With the willow, he has scored 536 runs at a strike rate of over 130. KKR top order has been so good in the tournament so far, that he hasn’t got many opportunities to prove his capability.

Allrounders (Yusuf Pathan and Shakib Al Hasan):

Yusuf Pathan has been striking the ball with perfection from last few games. This has not only boosted him as a player but is a dangerous sign for the opposition. On his day, he can be the most lethal batsman and has the ability to win the matches single-handedly. He carries a huge experience behind his back and has over 2800 IPL runs to his name.

Shakib Al Hasan has played a major role with the ball and over the years for Bangladesh and has evolved as a cricketer. Though he went for runs in the last game but has the ability to keep runs down in the middle overs. KKR will expect him to fire with the bat as well.

Bowlers (Umesh Yadav, Chris Woakes, Piyush Chawla, Nathan Coulter-Nile):

The KKR bowling line is led by, Indian speedster, Umesh Yadav who has reinvented himself as a consistent bowler. He swings the ball and can bend his back to extract bounce from the wicket as well. Yadav’s role is to give the team early breakthroughs and at the other crucial stages of the innings as well. Umesh had a fine season and has picked 6 wickets in 4 matches.

The English pacer Chris Woakes is playing his first IPL and picked 7 wickets in 6 matches so far. Woakes mixes his variations well which helps him bowl with a decent economy. In the past, he has played some fine knocks with the bat for England and has the ability to add 20-30 runs at the end.

The right arm wrist spinner has been a consistent performer for KKR. Piyush Chawla has impressed everyone with his brilliant leg break bowling. He has played over 120 matches and picked 122 wickets with an economy of 7.61. He is expected to feature in playing eleven for Kuldeep Yadav similar to the last game.

The 29-year-old lad, Nathan Counter-Nile had a decent outing the ith ball in the last game. Nathan took 2 wickets for 41 runs but couldn’t help his team cross the winning line. He will again have a chance to make an impression in this game.