The Kolkata Knight Riders pulled off an amazing victory against the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the eliminator which was held in Bangalore a couple of days ago. The rain gave Gambhir’s side a mighty scare but eventually, KKR came out on top after chasing down 48 in six overs.
They will be up against table toppers Mumbai Indians in the second qualifier in Bangalore on May 19. A win for either side would take them to the finals on Sunday against the Rising Pune Supergiant.
Here is the probable playing XI for KKR for the do-or-die encounter:
Sunil Narine’s pinch hitting has been a hit and a miss in the IPL this year. Although, when he has got going, he has decimated opposition bowlers and given KKR the perfect start. He would look to get some runs on the board and give KKR the much-needed start against the strong bowling line-up of MI.
Chris Lynn began his innings against SRH with aplomb hitting a six of his very first delivery. Unfortunately, he was dismissed in the very next ball. He has been superb for KKR this season and would hope to score big against MI and help his side reach the final.
Gautam Gambhir has been indestructible for his side this season and has been one of the best performers of the tournament with the bat. He is the second highest run-getter of the tournament so far and has scored runs with utmost ease. He will look to guide his side to their third IPL title with a couple more strong performances.
Robin Uthappa too has been superb with the bat this season despite having a poor domestic season. He has formed a formidable partnership along with Gambhir and the duo have put up some vital partnerships to help KKR achieve a lot of success this season.
Ishank Jaggi played his first game against SRH in the eliminator and did not get much of a chance to prove himself. However, he played second fiddle to Gambhir and ensured KKR not lose any more wickets after they lost their first three in quick succession.
Extra Cover: Mumbai Indians (MI) probable playing 11 against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
Yusuf Pathan has not made the ideal amount of impact this season and he would have hoped to play a bigger role in KKR’s success. However, it's not too late for the elder Pathan brother to make an impact. One big innings or a good showing with the ball could help KKR lift the title.
Suryakumar Yadav has hardly got a chance to make a mark for himself this season and has not been able to perform whenever the opportunity arose. Being the vice-captain of the side, he would be looking to make a vital contribution against MI and help side go over the line.
Kuldeep Yadav missed out on a spot in the playing XI last time around but we could expect to see him back in the line-up replacing Piyush Chawla. He has proved to be successful as he has picked up wickets at regular intervals and bamboozled batsmen with his variations with the ball.
Nathan Coulter-Nile was the man of the match in the eliminator against SRH and will be looking to carry that form into the match against MI as well. The pitch might not suit him as much as it did in Bangalore but he could still prove to be as deadly with the ball.
Umesh Yadav has enjoyed a lot of success this season as he has picked up a decent amount of wickets and helped contain the opposition’s runs as well. He will look to continue his fine run of form given that the Champions Trophy is coming up soon after the IPL.
Trent Boult has not played in too many games so far but with Chris Woakes’ absence, he will surely be a part of the playing XI against MI. He will look to be at his fearsome best and provide his side with the early wickets.
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