IPL 10, Match 46, RCB vs KKR - Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted XI

Kolkata Knight Riders, champions in 2012 and 2014, are as usual looking good to make it to the playoffs this year as well. But the loss in the last two matches against Sunrisers and Rising Pune Supergiant has set them back a little bit. They would like to get back to their winning ways against the struggling Royal Challengers Bangalore in their own den.

KKR are sitting pretty at the second position in the points table with seven wins in 11 matches but RPS, SRH and other teams are closing in on as the tournament is heading towards its business end. After playing so well consistently, Gambhir and his team would like to break the losing streak and a win would take them to the top of the table surpassing Mumbai Indians.

KKR’s batting line-up looked thin in the absence of Uthappa in the last game and his comeback would bolster their batting as KKR look to seal their position in the top two and subsequently in playoffs. Here we look at the predicted XI of KKR against RCB:

Openers (Gautam Gambhir, Sunil Narine)

The combination of a pinch hitter and a proper opener should continue for KKR which has more often than not worked for them. Sunil Narine has given them quick starts in the power play which has helped his team gun down targets over 180 with ease. Though he has picked only 7 wickets, he has conceded only 7.12 runs per over. Surprisingly, Narine has played vital knocks with the bat more than the ball and would like continue his all-round performance for his team.

Gautam Gambhir, the skipper has led from the front with the bat. He has scored whopping 411 runs at an average of 51.75 and strike rate of around 135. He is also second in the race for the orange cap. Gambhir’s form would be crucial for KKR if they are aiming to finish in top two.

Middle Order (Robin Uthappa, Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan and Suryakumar Yadav)

Robin Uthappa, who missed the last match due to a niggle, has been in scintillating form this season scoring 5 half centuries in 10 innings. He has been striking the ball at an amazing 171 runs per 100 balls. Even Gambhir was of the opinion that the selectors should not ignore Uthappa’s performances this season.

Manish Pandey, the core member of KKR setup now, has been the unsung hero this season. Where the opposition teams are putting all their efforts in dismissing Gambhir and Uthappa, Pandey has played vital knocks, may it be finishing the games or setting up a total while batting first. His form would be a blessing for KKR as playoffs are approaching fast.

Yusuf Pathan is the only player in the top 5 of the KKR batting line-up who hasn’t contributed significantly so far this season. Apart from a half century against Delhi Daredevils earlier in the season when he smacked 59 off just 39 deliveries, his form is not upto the mark. But the team management has kept faith in him knowing that he is due for big innings now.

Suryakumar Yadav has been in and out of the side this year due to his inconsistent performances with the bat. Though his quick fire 30 which propelled KKR to a competitive total of 155 against RPS should help him retain his place for the match against RCB. Sheldon Jackson’s inability to cash in on the opportunities given to him also should play in favour of Yadav.

All-Rounder (Colin de Grandhomme)

Surprisingly, de Grandhomme had been preferred in almost all the matches by KKR this year ahead of more experienced Shakib. Main reason for this could be the relaid surface of Eden Gardens which provides extra pace and bounce to the pacers. De Grandhomme though has repaid the faith shown in him. He was instrumental in skittling RCB out for 47 picking up 3 important wickets. He also scored vital 36 runs off 19 balls in the last game when the chips were down. He could be crucial for KKR in the playoffs.

Bowlers (Chris Woakes, Coulter-Nile, Umesh Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav)

Chris Woakes has emerged as one of the top wicket-takers for KKR this year. He is fifth in the race of purple cap holders with 14 wickets in 11 matches. He only needs to improve on his economy rate which is over 9. Skipper Gambhir would want him to improve his death bowling and if he does that he could be a great asset for the team.

Coulter-Nile, who scripted the collapse of the star-studded RCB batting line-up earlier this season should be fit and raring to go. He was hit on the helmet grill while batting in the last game against RPS post which he left the field after bowling 3 overs. He has been regularly picked now after his heroics against RCB and has picked 11 wickets at an average of under 18.

Umesh Yadav was a revelation for Team India in the long home season. He did not disappoint his IPL franchise as well and continued his form with the ball. Umesh has so far scalped 10 wickets in 9 matches and would look to pick more as there are some crucial matches ahead of the knockout games.

Kuldeep Yadav, the left-arm chinaman bowler, has contributed decently with the ball. He has troubled the renowned batsmen with his wily spin bowling. Even the former India captain MS Dhoni has been dismissed twice in 2 innings by the youngster. His quota of four overs will be important against the likes of Kohli, Gayle and de Villiers.