IPL 2018: Match 10, KKR vs SRH- Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted XI

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were involved in a couple of humdingers against the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) respectively. Both teams will now be locking horns at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata. KKR have won their previous game at the venue and would wish to continue their winning streak in Kolkata.

The Knights had a disappointing outing last time around as their bowling faltered to an alarming extent. They might need to make minor adjustments to the playing eleven. In our article, we take you through the lineup of the Knight Riders which will take charge against Kane Williamson’s men on Saturday.

Openers (Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn)

Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn will open the batting. Lynn hasn’t quite had an overwhelming season thus far with the willow. He was foxed by Chris Woakes into playing a false stroke, which led to his dismissal. Against the Chennai Super Kings, he threatened to take the game away from the hosts, however, Ravindra Jadeja went through defence and castled him.

On the other hand, Sunil Narine has been in prime form. He ambushed the Royal Challengers Bangalore and scored a breezy half-century, which helped KKR win the game in a canter. In the next game, he looked in excellent touch as well, but Harbhajan Singh accounted for his dismissal. Both openers will be required to play accordingly an take the Knights off to a flier.

Middle-order (Robin Uthappa, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik (wk))

The middle order might be changed to some extent in order to strengthen the lineup. Shubman Gill, who was a part of the World Cup-winning Indian Under-19 team, might replace Rinku Singh, who hasn’t quite played an innings of substance in the earlier games. Nitish Rana has looked solid in both the games and his contribution will need to come to the fore for the Knights.

Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik and Robin Uthappa are the experienced players in the middle order and quite expectantly, they would shoulder a fair amount of responsibility. Dinesh Karthik has been impressive in both games with a couple of useful knocks under his belt. Robin Uthappa has been erratic, however, has the potential to strike form at any stage.

All-rounder (Andre Russell)

Andre Russell played a blistering knock against the Chennai franchise and helped the visitors rack up a mammoth score. He plundered 11 sixes and decimated the bowlers with some brutal strokes down the ground. Meanwhile, he showed expertise in variations of pace and length.

The Knights were in grave danger after losing quick wickets in the middle, but Russell cleared the ropes with sheer disparagement and pulled the Knights out of a precarious position. The Knight will again look up to the Windies all-rounder to make a significant contribution against the Sunrisers.

Bowlers (Tom Curran, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Mavi)

The Knight Riders’ bowlers began handsomely with a comprehensive performance against RCB. However, they were taken apart at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai by the likes of Sam Billings and others. Vinay Kumar after a couple of erratic performances might be left out and Shivam Mavi, who hogged the limelight during the Under-19 World Cup, might replace him.

Tom Curran was expensive against CSK but picked up a couple of crucial wickets which somewhat pushed the hosts on the back-foot. Piyush Chawla had an off day, but KKRs Right to Match (RTM) player has the skills to make a comeback. The onus will also be on Kuldeep Yadav to churn out wickets and keep a check on the runs. 

Here’s KKR predicted XI against Sunrisers