IPL 9, Match 26 Preview: Both teams look to bounce back

Delhi Daredevils (DD) suffered a narrow loss at the hands of Gujarat Lions after having won three on the trot. Whereas, the mighty Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) also tasted the bitterness of a defeat last game against Mumbai Indians. But, unlike the previous seasons of the IPL, the Daredevils look like serious contenders for the playoffs this time round. Another win over an in-form team will only strengthen the case. This is a chance for the home side to take revenge for their 9 wicket loss in the campaign opener at the hands of the same opponent. KKR, on the other hand, has been a very consistent side so far in the tournament and would hope to secure a win and climb up to the top of the points table.

Delhi Daredevils:

Delhi Daredevils will be looking to bounce back in the tournament with a win over Kolkata. The batting order seems to be doing its job but would like to bring in more consistency in the performances and for that they need to have permanent roles. Switching the top order in the previous game didn’t really help their cause. Quinton de Kock, who began on a superb note, has been calm in the past couple of matches. Sanju Samson and Karun Nair also need to amass runs. The bowling attack looks settled. Skipper Zaheer Khan has put in best efforts so far. Spinners Amit Mishra (who is in the top ten of the highest wicket takers list) and Imran Tahir have also operated fabulously. Reportedly, left-arm spinner Shahbaz Nadeem may get replaced with fast bowler Mohammad Shami. Chris Morris is a proven game changer. The concerning factor although is their most expensive buy Pawan Negi who has been looked like a liability so far. Negi hasn’t made any significant contribution with bat or with the ball and needs to come up with a show in this game or would continue to be a liability for the team.

Kolkata Knight Riders:

Kolkata Knight Riders is expected to go in with an unchanged XI. Opener Gautam Gambhir and Robin Uthappa have again gained their rhythm, providing the solidity to the batting order. Their 69 runs stand in just 6.5 overs in the last game against Mumbai Indians speaks about it. Despite under-performing in the last outing, the middle order looks compact. The line-up comprising of Suryakumar Yadav, Andre Rusell, Yusuf Pathan have not disappointed at all and more often done their part. The only player who is currently struggling to get runs is Shakib Al Hasan. The Bangladesh all-rounder hasn’t been able to get among the runs of late. Sunil Narine looks less venomous with his remodeled action but always poses a threat.

Probable XI:

Delhi Daredevils:

Quinton de Kock (wk), Sanju Samson, Karun Nair, JP Duminy, Rishabh Pant, Chris Morris, Pawan Negi, Imran Tahir, Mohammed Shami/Shahbaz Nadeem, Zaheer Khan (C), Amit Mishra

Kolkata Knight Riders:

Gautam Gambhir (C), Robin Uthappa (wk), Chris Lynn, Suryakumar Yadav, Shakib Al Hasan, Yusuf Pathan, Andre Russell, R Sathish, Piyush Chawla, Umesh Yadav, Sunil Narine

StAttack:

1. Daredevils have conceded only three century opening stands in 123 innings so far.

2. Before Chris Morris’ 32-ball 82 on Wednesday, his highest score in T20s was 41. He has played 110 matches.