From 11 games, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have picked up 7 victories and the accompanying 14 points. They need only one more win to reach the magic number of 16 and almost seal a place in the play-offs. Considering Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) dismal performances so far, Gautam Gambhir’s side will be eager to secure those two vital points at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
While assistant coach Simon Katich hinted at Chris Lynn’s availability for this game, the visitors might prefer not to risk him at this stage. Here’s how the Knight Riders’ playing eleven could shape up for the match.
Sunil Narine
Despite his lean run of scores in the last few matches, the team management should continue the experiment of opening the innings with Narine. The Trinidadian can provide a sense of impetus at the top of the order with his uninhibited stroke-play. His efforts in the bowling department will also be keenly looked at.
Gautam Gambhir
Leading from the front with his consistent performances, the Knight Riders captain is the pivot around which KKR’s batting fortunes revolve. With 411 runs from 11 games at an average of 51.37 including four 50-plus scores, the left-hander is the second highest run-scorer in the season thus far.
Robin Uthappa
The steady wicket-keeper batsman had suffered a hamstring niggle prior to the last game. Even though the think tank should be deliberating on his inclusion ahead of this one, Uthappa is likely to return to the playing eleven at the expense of Sheldon Jackson. Since the Indian selectors are set to pick the squad for the Champions Trophy on Monday, he would want to put forth his case at the right time.
Manish Pandey
Coming in at number four, Manish is almost the perfect choice to keep the scoreboard ticking and control the flow of the innings in the middle-overs and even beyond. Having bounced back into form with a couple of enterprising knocks in succession, the right-hander will be confident of taking on RCB’s bowling attack.
Yusuf Pathan
Even though he has been an inconsistent customer, Yusuf’s reputation of being an explosive batsman will keep the home team on their toes. Capable of leaving even well-devised plans in awry, the seasoned campaigner can leave a lasting impression in the death overs.
Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar missed out on the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, he got an opportunity for the clash against Rising Pune Supergiant (RPS) due to Uthappa’s injury. Fresh from a game-changing 16-ball 30, it will be a massive surprise if he is left out of the team once again.
Colin de Grandhomme
Playing his maiden IPL season, de Grandhomme has managed to carve a spot for himself in KKR’s eleven. Aside from contributing quite a few handy overs with the ball, the all-rounder also has the ability to clear the fence with sublime ease during the business stages of the innings.
Chris Woakes
With 14 wickets from 11 games, Woakes is currently the joint-fifth leading wicket taker in this IPL edition. Although he can be expensive at times as evidenced by his economy rate of 9.08, the right-arm seamer can hold his own up front as well as in the death overs. His useful batting skills have not been required as of yet due to the unswerving characteristics of those above him.
Nathan Coulter-Nile
Coulter-Nile was struck on the helmet by his countryman Daniel Christian in the previous game against RPS. As a consequence, he appears to be slightly under the weather. Nevertheless, the 29-year old should be retained upon considering the lack of adequate depth in the Knight Riders’ pace attack.
Umesh Yadav
Among the most reliable fast bowlers in India, Umesh can turn a game on its head with his searing pace and relentless lengths. With RCB’s batting lineup woefully out of touch, skipper Gambhir will be banking on him to land quite a few early blows in the Power Play overs.
Kuldeep Yadav
Possessing admirable control for an exponent of the chinaman style of spin bowling, Kuldeep is an asset in the shortest format of the game. Although he conceded more runs than he would have liked in the last couple of matches, the wrist-spinner should back himself to deliver the goods this time around.
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