After losing three matches back-to-back, the Delhi Daredevils find themselves rock bottom of the table with 4 points in 6 matches. However, given the fact that they have played fewer matches in comparison to the other teams, a win in today’s game against the Kolkata Knight Riders will see them move up the table.
However, they will have their task cut out as they are up against an in-form Kolkata Knight Riders side who have won two on the trot.
We here look at the possible playing XI of the visitors:
Sanju Samson: The best batsman of the franchise so far, Samson smashed the maiden hundred of this year’s IPL and has looked in good touch in all the matches.There was a lot of questions raised when he was asked to open the batting but has silenced his critics with some exceptional performances.
Sam Billings: We could see Billings return to the playing XI for the Daredevils for this encounter replacing Corey Anderson who has failed to make a mark. Billings has not been too impressive himself as he has not been able to convert the starts he got in the previous matches. This could be the moment of reckoning for the Englishman.
Karun Nair: He has not been the same since he smashed a magnificent triple century against England at the end of last year as he managed only one 30+ score in all the games he has played since. He will need to start firing soon if he wants to retain his place in the playing XI.
Extra Cover: IPL Live Score 2017: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Daredevils Live Score
Rishab Pant: By playing Pant in the middle order, the team might not have got the best out of him. However, A Twenty20 Strike-Rate of 145 has given Delhi the much-needed momentum in the middle order. If he gets going, he could take the game away from the opposition. With the Champions Trophy squad yet to be announced, Pant will look to give it his all in this match.
Shreyas Iyer: Iyer got some runs under his belt when he made a fifty against the Sunrisers Hyderabad but followed that up with a poor performance with the bat against Mumbai. The right-hander will need to keep the tempo of the innings going if the side are to get to a big total and will look to get a big score in the upcoming matches
Chris Morris: He has been the standout performer for the Daredevils in the IPl so far – both with the bat and the ball. Despite performing exceptionally well with the bat, it has come to a surprise to many as to why he is being played lower down the order. The Daredevils must make better use of Morris in order to get better results.
Extra Cover: Top 5 moments from Kolkata Knight Riders vs Delhi Daredevils encounters through IPL history
Kagiso Rabada: This extremely talented South African pacer played his first game of the tournament against the Mumbai Indians on 22nd April and was the few players who impressed for Delhi. He surprised everyone with a superb performance with the bat as he put on a 91 run partnership along with Morris and almost staged an unlikely comeback. He will look to get a lot out of the seaming Eden Gardens track in today’s game.
Pat Cummins: The fast bowler, ever since coming to India in March, has looked a different bowler, one who has not just remained injury-free but also picked up wickets with the ball. He has picked up 9 wickets in 6 matches at an average of 19.11. He will look to form a solid partnership along with Rabada at the top of the bowling line-up.
Amit Mishra: With 7 wicket in 6 matches at an economy rate close to 8, Mishra has not been too impressive. The leg-spinner needs to provide the side with wickets in the middle overs but crucially has to work on his bowling at the end of the innings when the pressure is on. He might find it hard today as well given the nature of the wicket.
Zaheer Khan: The former India pacer started off extremely well and rolled back the years in this year’s IPL by making key contributions as a bowler at the beginning of the tournament but has looked sloppy off late. He has done well as a leader though, employing different field placements, based on the batsman in the middle.
Mohammad Shami: The fast bowler, who is on a comeback trail played only one match so far in the tournament and will look to get some more match practice with the Champions Trophy squad yet to be announced. Given the nature of the wicket in Kolkata, we could see Shami make an appearance in today’s game.
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