The IPL 2022 will commence from the 26th of March and the tournament will kick off with an exciting fixture between the Chennai Super Kings and the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kkr-players-list-2022-complete-kolkata-knight-riders-squad-and-players-list-for-ipl-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kolkata Knight Riders</a>. This will be a repeat clash of the finals last year and KKR will be looking for redemption after losing out previously.

Kolkata Knight Riders managed to get back most of their players in the IPL 2022 mega auction and they did a good job at the end to buy some valuable backup options as well. The franchise finished runners up in the previous edition after making a strong comeback in the second phase of IPL 2022 in UAE and they are likely to stick on to the same combination this time around as well. Shreyas Iyer was named as the captain of the side after getting him in the auction for a big price.

KKR faced an early setback ahead of the tournament, with Alex Hales pulling out due to bio bubble fatigue. Aaron Finch was named as the replacement but he won&#8217;t be available for the first few games along with Pat Cummins. This means that, the KKR franchise will not be able to field their best playing XI yet against the Chennai Super Kings franchise, however, they have enough options on the bench to try out.

Meanwhile, here’s the predicted Playing XI of Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2022 Match 1

Openers &#8211; Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-560744" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Venkatesh-Iyer-2.jpg" alt="Venkatesh Iyer" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-560744" class="wp-caption-text">Venkatesh Iyer. (Photo Source: Twitter/IPL)</figcaption>

Ajinkya Rahane is likely to get the nod for the opening game against Chennai Super Kings with Finch being not available. This will be a great opportunity for the veteran batter to get back in the scheme of things for the Indian team and a consistent run at the top might just seal his spot in the playing XI. Rahane has immense experience in IPL having played over 150 games and he will be the perfect partner to a young and upcoming batter in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/watch-pacer-avesh-khan-joins-the-hottest-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Venkatesh Iyer</a>.

Iyer on the other hand will be riding high on confidence after an extraordinary start to his IPL career last year and has done really well in the international setup in recent times. The tall left-hander will be one of the vital cogs for the KKR this season if they have to get into the playoffs, he has to be very destructive at the top of the order. The left-hand right-hand combination is expected to work well for KKR at the start.

Middle Order &#8211; Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Rana, Sam Billings

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-614484" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shreyas-Iyer-4.jpg" alt="Shreyas Iyer" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-614484" class="wp-caption-text">Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: KKR)</figcaption>

Skipper <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cant-offer-too-many-loose-balls-against-rishabh-pant-and-shreyas-iyer-rashid-khan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shreyas Iyer</a> is expected to come in at three and he can do a number of exploits at the position. He has also been in fantastic form in the international circuit as well. The right-hander has the ability to switch gears quickly and does possess a wide range of shots as well. He can play the anchor role apart from going for the kill and he is expected to have a breakout season with the kind of form he has been across formats.

Nitish Rana was brought back by KKR after having a decent season last year and he has played some eye-catching innings in the past. The left-hander made his international debut last year and he is coming off on the back of good form in the Ranji Trophy 2022 season a few days back. Rana can be very explosive towards the later stages of the innings and he will slot into the number four position.

Sam Billings will be the first choice wicketkeeper in the playing XI with not much IPL experience for Sheldon Jackson and Baba Indrajith. The England batter can hit some lusty blows towards the back end of the innings and he will get continous opportunities to showcase his potential in the cash-rich tournament.

All Rounders &#8211; Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shivam Mavi

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-559379" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Andre-Russell-5.jpg" alt="Andre Russell" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-559379" class="wp-caption-text">Andre Russell. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Andre Russell has been pivotal to the KKR middle-order for a long time now and he has the ability to win games on his own with some enormous ball-striking abilities. The right-hander will play the finisher role for the side and he can also contribute to the bowling department with his medium pace. Russell will be the X factor player for KKR and the franchise would benefit hugely if he is fit for the entire season.

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/surrey-sign-west-indies-spinner-sunil-narine-for-t20-blast/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunil Narine</a> has also done wonders for the franchise since his debut in IPL and his mystery spin still has been very effective in the limited-overs format. He can also be used as a floater in the batting order, especially against spin bowling where he can smack sixes at will. Narine can be a match-winner in both the bowling and batting departments and he is likely to get the job done more often.

Shivam Mavi was paid a huge price in the mega auction to get back his services for KKR and it was on the back of a really good season last year. The right arm seamer picked up 11 wickets in 9 games towards the back end of the season last year and played a crucial role for KKR on their unbelievable comeback. Mavi is also very handy with the bat and is likely to play at number eight until Cummins arrives.

Bowlers &#8211; Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-559377" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Varun-Chakravarthy-1.jpg" alt="Varun Chakravarthy" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-559377" class="wp-caption-text">Varun Chakravarthy. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tim-southee-ties-the-knot-with-long-time-girlfriend-brya-fahy-ahead-of-ipl-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tim Southee</a> is one of the underrated T20 performers going around and he can have a big impact with the new ball as well as in the death overs. The New Zealand seamer has played IPL games in the past and can be expensive at times. However, until Cummins arrives, Southee is expected to get a go and the latter has enough experience to make use of his opportunities.

Umesh Yadav has been playing IPL for a long time and he was part of the title-winning campaign for the KKR franchise in 2014. The 34-year-old seamer can be very effective with the new ball with his ability to bowl outswingers and with not much experience among the Indian seamers in the squad, Umesh is likely to take the field against the Chennai Super Kings.

Varun Chakravarthy will be a huge asset to the side if he is fit and ready as he had two really good seasons continuously. The mystery spinner has the ability to keep bowling in tough areas consistently and hardly gives any freebies to put away. He had a fantastic economy rate of just under 7 in the previous season despite bowling the tough overs and KKR will be hoping that he stays fit throughout the season which could be the only barrier for him.

KKR&#8217;s Predicted XI for CSK clash: Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nitish Rana, Sam Billings (WK), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shivam Mavi, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy

The IPL 2022 will commence from the 26th of March and the tournament will kick off with an exciting fixture between the Chennai Super Kings and the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kkr-players-list-2022-complete-kolkata-knight-riders-squad-and-players-list-for-ipl-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kolkata Knight Riders</a>. This will be a repeat clash of the finals last year and KKR will be looking for redemption after losing out previously.
Kolkata Knight Riders managed to get back most of their players in the IPL 2022 mega auction and they did a good job at the end to buy some valuable backup options as well. The franchise finished runners up in the previous edition after making a strong comeback in the second phase of IPL 2022 in UAE and they are likely to stick on to the same combination this time around as well. Shreyas Iyer was named as the captain of the side after getting him in the auction for a big price.
KKR faced an early setback ahead of the tournament, with Alex Hales pulling out due to bio bubble fatigue. Aaron Finch was named as the replacement but he won’t be available for the first few games along with Pat Cummins. This means that, the KKR franchise will not be able to field their best playing XI yet against the Chennai Super Kings franchise, however, they have enough options on the bench to try out.
<h3>Meanwhile, here’s the predicted Playing XI of Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2022 Match 1</h3>
<h3>Openers – Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer</h3>
<figure id="attachment_560744" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-560744" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-560744" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Venkatesh-Iyer-2.jpg" alt="Venkatesh Iyer" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-560744" class="wp-caption-text">Venkatesh Iyer. (Photo Source: Twitter/IPL)</figcaption></figure>
Ajinkya Rahane is likely to get the nod for the opening game against Chennai Super Kings with Finch being not available. This will be a great opportunity for the veteran batter to get back in the scheme of things for the Indian team and a consistent run at the top might just seal his spot in the playing XI. Rahane has immense experience in IPL having played over 150 games and he will be the perfect partner to a young and upcoming batter in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/watch-pacer-avesh-khan-joins-the-hottest-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Venkatesh Iyer</a>.
Iyer on the other hand will be riding high on confidence after an extraordinary start to his IPL career last year and has done really well in the international setup in recent times. The tall left-hander will be one of the vital cogs for the KKR this season if they have to get into the playoffs, he has to be very destructive at the top of the order. The left-hand right-hand combination is expected to work well for KKR at the start.

<h3>Middle Order – Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Rana, Sam Billings</h3>
<figure id="attachment_614484" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-614484" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-614484" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shreyas-Iyer-4.jpg" alt="Shreyas Iyer" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-614484" class="wp-caption-text">Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: KKR)</figcaption></figure>
Skipper <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cant-offer-too-many-loose-balls-against-rishabh-pant-and-shreyas-iyer-rashid-khan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shreyas Iyer</a> is expected to come in at three and he can do a number of exploits at the position. He has also been in fantastic form in the international circuit as well. The right-hander has the ability to switch gears quickly and does possess a wide range of shots as well. He can play the anchor role apart from going for the kill and he is expected to have a breakout season with the kind of form he has been across formats.
Nitish Rana was brought back by KKR after having a decent season last year and he has played some eye-catching innings in the past. The left-hander made his international debut last year and he is coming off on the back of good form in the Ranji Trophy 2022 season a few days back. Rana can be very explosive towards the later stages of the innings and he will slot into the number four position.
Sam Billings will be the first choice wicketkeeper in the playing XI with not much IPL experience for Sheldon Jackson and Baba Indrajith. The England batter can hit some lusty blows towards the back end of the innings and he will get continous opportunities to showcase his potential in the cash-rich tournament.
<h3>All Rounders – Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shivam Mavi</h3>
<figure id="attachment_559379" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-559379" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-559379" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Andre-Russell-5.jpg" alt="Andre Russell" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-559379" class="wp-caption-text">Andre Russell. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Andre Russell has been pivotal to the KKR middle-order for a long time now and he has the ability to win games on his own with some enormous ball-striking abilities. The right-hander will play the finisher role for the side and he can also contribute to the bowling department with his medium pace. Russell will be the X factor player for KKR and the franchise would benefit hugely if he is fit for the entire season.
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/surrey-sign-west-indies-spinner-sunil-narine-for-t20-blast/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunil Narine</a> has also done wonders for the franchise since his debut in IPL and his mystery spin still has been very effective in the limited-overs format. He can also be used as a floater in the batting order, especially against spin bowling where he can smack sixes at will. Narine can be a match-winner in both the bowling and batting departments and he is likely to get the job done more often.
Shivam Mavi was paid a huge price in the mega auction to get back his services for KKR and it was on the back of a really good season last year. The right arm seamer picked up 11 wickets in 9 games towards the back end of the season last year and played a crucial role for KKR on their unbelievable comeback. Mavi is also very handy with the bat and is likely to play at number eight until Cummins arrives.

<h3>Bowlers – Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy</h3>
<figure id="attachment_559377" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-559377" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-559377" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Varun-Chakravarthy-1.jpg" alt="Varun Chakravarthy" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-559377" class="wp-caption-text">Varun Chakravarthy. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tim-southee-ties-the-knot-with-long-time-girlfriend-brya-fahy-ahead-of-ipl-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tim Southee</a> is one of the underrated T20 performers going around and he can have a big impact with the new ball as well as in the death overs. The New Zealand seamer has played IPL games in the past and can be expensive at times. However, until Cummins arrives, Southee is expected to get a go and the latter has enough experience to make use of his opportunities.
Umesh Yadav has been playing IPL for a long time and he was part of the title-winning campaign for the KKR franchise in 2014. The 34-year-old seamer can be very effective with the new ball with his ability to bowl outswingers and with not much experience among the Indian seamers in the squad, Umesh is likely to take the field against the Chennai Super Kings.
Varun Chakravarthy will be a huge asset to the side if he is fit and ready as he had two really good seasons continuously. The mystery spinner has the ability to keep bowling in tough areas consistently and hardly gives any freebies to put away. He had a fantastic economy rate of just under 7 in the previous season despite bowling the tough overs and KKR will be hoping that he stays fit throughout the season which could be the only barrier for him.
KKR’s Predicted XI for CSK clash: Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nitish Rana, Sam Billings (WK), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shivam Mavi, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
&nbsp;

The IPL 2022 will commence from the 26th of March and the tournament will kick off with an exciting fixture between the Chennai Super Kings and the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kkr-players-list-2022-complete-kolkata-knight-riders-squad-and-players-list-for-ipl-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kolkata Knight Riders</a>. This will be a repeat clash of the finals last year and KKR will be looking for redemption after losing out previously.
Kolkata Knight Riders managed to get back most of their players in the IPL 2022 mega auction and they did a good job at the end to buy some valuable backup options as well. The franchise finished runners up in the previous edition after making a strong comeback in the second phase of IPL 2022 in UAE and they are likely to stick on to the same combination this time around as well. Shreyas Iyer was named as the captain of the side after getting him in the auction for a big price.
KKR faced an early setback ahead of the tournament, with Alex Hales pulling out due to bio bubble fatigue. Aaron Finch was named as the replacement but he won&#8217;t be available for the first few games along with Pat Cummins. This means that, the KKR franchise will not be able to field their best playing XI yet against the Chennai Super Kings franchise, however, they have enough options on the bench to try out.
<h3>Meanwhile, here’s the predicted Playing XI of Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2022 Match 1</h3>
<h3>Openers &#8211; Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer</h3>
<figure id="attachment_560744" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-560744" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-560744" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Venkatesh-Iyer-2.jpg" alt="Venkatesh Iyer" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-560744" class="wp-caption-text">Venkatesh Iyer. (Photo Source: Twitter/IPL)</figcaption></figure>
Ajinkya Rahane is likely to get the nod for the opening game against Chennai Super Kings with Finch being not available. This will be a great opportunity for the veteran batter to get back in the scheme of things for the Indian team and a consistent run at the top might just seal his spot in the playing XI. Rahane has immense experience in IPL having played over 150 games and he will be the perfect partner to a young and upcoming batter in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/watch-pacer-avesh-khan-joins-the-hottest-trend/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Venkatesh Iyer</a>.
Iyer on the other hand will be riding high on confidence after an extraordinary start to his IPL career last year and has done really well in the international setup in recent times. The tall left-hander will be one of the vital cogs for the KKR this season if they have to get into the playoffs, he has to be very destructive at the top of the order. The left-hand right-hand combination is expected to work well for KKR at the start.

<h3>Middle Order &#8211; Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Rana, Sam Billings</h3>
<figure id="attachment_614484" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-614484" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-614484" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shreyas-Iyer-4.jpg" alt="Shreyas Iyer" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-614484" class="wp-caption-text">Shreyas Iyer. (Photo Source: KKR)</figcaption></figure>
Skipper <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cant-offer-too-many-loose-balls-against-rishabh-pant-and-shreyas-iyer-rashid-khan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shreyas Iyer</a> is expected to come in at three and he can do a number of exploits at the position. He has also been in fantastic form in the international circuit as well. The right-hander has the ability to switch gears quickly and does possess a wide range of shots as well. He can play the anchor role apart from going for the kill and he is expected to have a breakout season with the kind of form he has been across formats.
Nitish Rana was brought back by KKR after having a decent season last year and he has played some eye-catching innings in the past. The left-hander made his international debut last year and he is coming off on the back of good form in the Ranji Trophy 2022 season a few days back. Rana can be very explosive towards the later stages of the innings and he will slot into the number four position.
Sam Billings will be the first choice wicketkeeper in the playing XI with not much IPL experience for Sheldon Jackson and Baba Indrajith. The England batter can hit some lusty blows towards the back end of the innings and he will get continous opportunities to showcase his potential in the cash-rich tournament.
<h3>All Rounders &#8211; Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shivam Mavi</h3>
<figure id="attachment_559379" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-559379" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-559379" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Andre-Russell-5.jpg" alt="Andre Russell" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-559379" class="wp-caption-text">Andre Russell. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
Andre Russell has been pivotal to the KKR middle-order for a long time now and he has the ability to win games on his own with some enormous ball-striking abilities. The right-hander will play the finisher role for the side and he can also contribute to the bowling department with his medium pace. Russell will be the X factor player for KKR and the franchise would benefit hugely if he is fit for the entire season.
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/surrey-sign-west-indies-spinner-sunil-narine-for-t20-blast/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunil Narine</a> has also done wonders for the franchise since his debut in IPL and his mystery spin still has been very effective in the limited-overs format. He can also be used as a floater in the batting order, especially against spin bowling where he can smack sixes at will. Narine can be a match-winner in both the bowling and batting departments and he is likely to get the job done more often.
Shivam Mavi was paid a huge price in the mega auction to get back his services for KKR and it was on the back of a really good season last year. The right arm seamer picked up 11 wickets in 9 games towards the back end of the season last year and played a crucial role for KKR on their unbelievable comeback. Mavi is also very handy with the bat and is likely to play at number eight until Cummins arrives.

<h3>Bowlers &#8211; Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy</h3>
<figure id="attachment_559377" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-559377" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-559377" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Varun-Chakravarthy-1.jpg" alt="Varun Chakravarthy" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-559377" class="wp-caption-text">Varun Chakravarthy. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/tim-southee-ties-the-knot-with-long-time-girlfriend-brya-fahy-ahead-of-ipl-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tim Southee</a> is one of the underrated T20 performers going around and he can have a big impact with the new ball as well as in the death overs. The New Zealand seamer has played IPL games in the past and can be expensive at times. However, until Cummins arrives, Southee is expected to get a go and the latter has enough experience to make use of his opportunities.
Umesh Yadav has been playing IPL for a long time and he was part of the title-winning campaign for the KKR franchise in 2014. The 34-year-old seamer can be very effective with the new ball with his ability to bowl outswingers and with not much experience among the Indian seamers in the squad, Umesh is likely to take the field against the Chennai Super Kings.
Varun Chakravarthy will be a huge asset to the side if he is fit and ready as he had two really good seasons continuously. The mystery spinner has the ability to keep bowling in tough areas consistently and hardly gives any freebies to put away. He had a fantastic economy rate of just under 7 in the previous season despite bowling the tough overs and KKR will be hoping that he stays fit throughout the season which could be the only barrier for him.
KKR&#8217;s Predicted XI for CSK clash: Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nitish Rana, Sam Billings (WK), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shivam Mavi, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
&nbsp;

KKR will not have the services of Aaron Finch and Pat Cummins until April 6 due to international commitments.

IPL 2022: Match 1 – Strongest Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Predicted Playing XI against Chennai Super Kings

Strongest Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Predicted Playing XI against Chennai Super Kings - check out the Predicted Playing XI between KKR and CSK, match 1 on CricTracker