IPL 2022: Match 8 - Predicted Kolkata Knight Riders Playing XI vs Punjab Kings

The Kolkata Knight Riders lock horns with the Punjab Kings for their third match of the IPL 2022 season. The clash will be hosted at the Wankhede stadium on April 1, 2022. KKR have played two games so far and were handed over a loss in their recently concluded match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Shreyas Iyer led his team to a victory in the inaugural match of this season and marked his captaincy journey for his new team on a high note. Both the matches played by KKR so far have witnessed low scores, and the men in purple will be looking to put up a big target so as to gain some points.

Here’s a look at Kolkata Knight Riders Playing XI for the game against PBKS

Openers: Venkatesh Iyer and Ajinkya Rahane

Venkatesh Iyer brings in an all-around option for his team and has played some brilliant knocks for his team in the previous edition of the IPL. His 16 (16) against CSK and 10 (14) against were surely not his best scores, but he will continue to open for his team and look to put forth the heroics of last season.

Tagging along will be Ajinkya Rahane, whose brilliant knock of 44 (34) against CSK gave a perfect start to the team. The score of 9 (10) in his previous game was unlucky for him, but he still managed to send the ball across for a boundary. The two will aim at starting the innings on a high note.

Middle-order: Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Sheldon Jackson (wk), Sam Billings

KKR has a strong middle-order which includes names of batters who can anchor the innings and contribute to their team in big numbers. They will prove to be an asset for the team, and will be able to tackle the opposition’s bowling attack once settled in the game. Shreyas Iyer is known for scoring the important runs, and he has also been in great form since he made his comeback for India after recovering from his injury.

Nitish Rana was retained by KKR as he has the ability to snatch the game away and lead his team towards a victory. Sheldon Jackson’s wicketkeeping skills are very much required for his side as he has already impressed everyone with his tactics. Not just that, his skills with the bat will come in handy for the team. Sam Billings has experience playing in the IPL and he can hold the game tight for his team towards the end.

All-rounders: Andre Russell, Sunil Narine

The powerful Caribbean duo of Andre Russell and Narine will prove to be beneficial for their team as they will expect someone to finish the game. To take up the task, KKR have not one, but two batters. The two are lethal with their bowling and batting. Russel is a known finisher, and he displayed some of his skills in the recent game against RCB and gave the team some hopes of a big total.

Russell faced a minor injury during KKR’s game against RCB. He was the top scorer for his side but injured his shoulder during fielding. But it is not something that will keep him out of the game. His yorkers will be like the icing on the cake if he executes them to perfection. Narine, on the other hand, will be the mystery spinner for KKR and will also prove worthy with the bat, whenever required.

Bowlers: Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee, Varun Chakravarthy

Umesh Yadav picked up a wicket in his very first over for the team against CSK, and made a remarkable comeback. He picked two wickets in the first game, and two in the second game against RCB to give the perfect start to his team. KKR will be expecting something similar from him again when they face PBKS.

Southee will handle the pace bowling department, and he bowled quite well against RCB and managed to remain consistent throughout. Lastly, Varun Chakravarthy would complete the line-up for his team and offer the spin attack as per the pitch conditions. He will be a requisite for the team as they will need to tackle the power-hitters of PBKS.