Transfers made – 1; Transfers remaining – 9
Andre Russell out – Dwayne Bravo in
(uncapped) Yuzvendra Chahal out – Pravin Tambe in
Batting captain – Gautam Gambhir
Bowling captain – Dwayne Bravo
Batting captaincy options – Gautam Gambhir, Robin Uthappa and Manish Pandey
With both Gambhir and Uthappa already in, I don’t see any purpose in bringing Pandey into my team. Uthappa might have failed in the last 3 matches, but it should not be forgotten that they were in conditions that assisted bowlers. If today’s deck remains true, there is no reason why he can’t be amongst the runs.
As I said in my previous article, Pandey would more often than not deliver if he comes in early. I am just pinning my hope on his entry getting a little delayed – which could lead to a promotion of Yusuf Pathan.
I am not interested in any of Gujarat Lions’ batsmen, as all of them have their weaknesses - which we have discussed enough throughout the tournament. Aaron Finch, I believe, has reached a different level this tournament, but that he is being played at No.5 keeps me away from him.
Bowling captaincy options – Piyush Chawla, Sunil Narine and Dwayne Bravo
All these 3 options could easily give you a couple of wickets. Since Bravo plays in a couple of matches where I wouldn’t be having a capped bowler, I am bringing him in today and captaining him as well.
If there is some help available for the new ball, expect Praveen Kumar and Dhawal Kulkarni to chip in as well.
Nature of the deck – Reports suggest it could be flat, but I would wait till the toss.
Uncapped player order – Pravin Tambe, Shivil Kaushik, Ankit Rajpoot
KKR – Fantasy Clinchers
With Andre Russell ruled out of the fixture, KKR will be forced to make a change to their playing XI. It is anyone’s guess as to who they will go with among Chris Lynn, Colin Munro and Jason Holder. Given how badly Lynn and Holder did in the chances they were given, we might see Munro back in again.
Playing Shaun Tait is an option that can’t be ruled out as well, with the team needing a bowler more than a batsman in the absence of both Umesh Yadav and Russell. There is a an outside chance of Morne Morkel missing out as well.
GL – Fantasy Clinchers
Akshdeep Nath will obviously make his way out for Suresh Raina. That should be it – the rest of the playing unit looks very much settled. If they are to stand a chance today, Raina has to deliver. McCullum can’t play spin while Smith could struggle against the pace bowlers.
Match call – KKR have the edge.
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