IPL 2018: Match 41, KKR vs MI- Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted XI

Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) woes against the Mumbai Indians (MI) continued as they slumped to their seventh consecutive defeat and haven’t beat the team since 2014. They were in the game at the Wankhede for a chunk of the game but were brushed aside by the hosts courtesy some superlative pieces of bowling by Jasprit Bumrah & Co. in the death overs.

The franchise made some changes to the batting slots, but that backfired to a large extent. They are currently in the fourth position and need quite a few wins to secure themselves a berth in the playoffs. Needless to say that another defeat might land their campaign into the doldrums. In the article, we take you through their probable eleven against the same opposition at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Openers (Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine)

In the last match against the same opposition, Sunil Narine was sent lower down the order. However, the move flopped and Narine should definitely be sent to open along with Chris Lynn. His strength lies in clearing the infield, which can only be utilized during the power-play. Even in his last match as the opener against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), he took KKR off to an excellent start.

Chris Lynn has blown a tad hot and cold in the tournament. He has grabbed a Man of the Match Award against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), but apart from that, he hasn’t shown the brutal form he is renowned for. A lot will depend on the Queenslander if KKR are to turn the tables on Rohit Sharma’s men who are brimming with confidence following a couple of thumping victories.

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

Nitish Rana returned to the middle order following an injury layoff and he hit his straps from the outset. The left-hander played for MI in the last season and would be accustomed to the tricks of their bowlers. Robin Uthappa scored a scintillating half-century, which laid the platform for the run-chase. Being an experienced campaigner, the Karnataka-born cricketer has to shoulder the responsibility.

Shubman Gill has floated all around the batting order and hasn’t found a fixed position. He has come lower down, opened the batting and batted in the middle as well. However, the middle-order has suited him the most as his maiden half-century came in the number four slot. Dinesh Karthik’s role as a finisher will be vital for the Knights as well.

All-rounder (Andre Russell)

Andre Russell’s belligerence with the willow has been a concerning factor for oppositions. Nevertheless, he couldn’t take his team home at the Wankhede and was nipped out by the short-pitched delivery. Meanwhile, he churned out some crucial scalps in his last three games, which would keep him in good stead as far as bowling is concerned.

Bowlers (Piyush Chawla, Mitchell Johnson, Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav)

The bowlers have been more or less notable and haven’t let the opposition take them for a ride. Piyush Chawla has been excellent inside the power-play and his role will be paramount for the Knights to curb them from going for the big shots. Mitchell Johnson hasn’t been amongst the wickets but looked good in the last match on a pitch which didn’t provide much assistance to him.

Prasidh Krishna made his debut in the cash-rich league and conceded 39 runs in his quota of overs. However, he dished out impressive channels and showed the temperament to survive at this level. It will be surprising if they don’t persist with the newcomer. Sunil Narine’s role as the off-break bowler will be one to watch out for. Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav will be eager to get back his rhythm as well.

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