IPL 2019 – Match 29: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Chennai Super Kings – KKR Predicted Playing XI

The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) slightly got off the track in their last two matches. The side has bowled second in both these matches and they didn’t have decent enough resources to defend the totals. Their next assignment will be up against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). Just a few days ago when both these teams met, the ‘Men in Purple and Gold’ bagged an embarrassing loss.

Their batsmen faltered and registered a below-par score. Furthermore, the team looks dented as some of the crucial players are down with flu and injuries. Thus, avenging the defeat in the previous encounter wouldn’t be easy for the home team. There isn’t a great deal of clarity about the fitness status of the players as yet. However, the management wouldn’t want to take any chance with these cricketers.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):

Openers (Joe Denly, Shubman Gill)

In his first ever IPL outing, Joe Denly bagged a golden duck. He seemed to be uncertain about the conditions and tried to go at the ball with hard hands. The ball swung in and he didn’t have enough time to recover. However, Dinesh Karthik hinted that they will give him another chance at the post-match presentation.

Along with the English all-rounder, it would be Shubman Gill who will share the opening responsibilities. The 19-year-old finally got an opportunity at the top of the order and clicked instantly. With his half-century in the last game, he has made picking the opening combination very difficult. However, there wouldn’t be any issues in the absence of Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine.

Middle Order (Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik (c)(wk))

Robin Uthappa and Nitish Rana have caused a slight concern to KKR management. They haven’t been able to convert the starts and have got out to poor shots. More than Robin, Rana’s form is more disappointing. He has started the season on a good note but is drifting away slowly.

Dinesh Karthik will continue to bat at either five or six. He has been brilliant with the captaincy despite having limited resources. The Tamil Nadu cricketer, however, has got to be slightly more consistent with the bat in hand. He just scored two runs in the last game and hit a ball in the air straight towards the fielder.

All Rounders (Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite)

Andre Russell’s body at the moment can be compared to a jigsaw puzzle. But somehow, he has managed to put all the pieces together and has been the biggest strength for KKR this season. Even in the last match, he scored a brisk 21-ball 45 and picked one wicket with the ball.

Unless KKR decides to go one batsman short and bring Matthew Kelly in, Carlos Brathwaite will continue in the eleven. The injuries and the ill-health of the other overseas players have turned out to be a blessing in disguise for him. He could get an opportunity in the next game as well.

Bowlers (Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Prasidh Krishna)

KKR has got no option but to continue with Lockie Ferguson. Matthew Kelly is an option but they wouldn’t want to take a chance in this high-pressure encounter. Also, they seem to have no interest in replacing Prasidh Krishna. The management feels that he is the best option available and will persist with him.

Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav will complete the eleven. While they have always been a great strength to the franchise, they don’t seem to be at their best this season. Also, the pitch isn’t assisting their style of bowling which has only made things worse.

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