IPL 2019: KKR's strongest possible XI against Sunrisers Hyderabad

The biggest cricket league in the world, the IPL is less than a week away and the anticipation is increasing every day. IPL 2019 promises to be another entertaining ride for cricket fans all over the world.

Kolkata Knight Riders face Sunrisers Hyderabad on 24th March at the Eden Gardens. KKR look like a balanced side, but they just lack a little bit of depth. They are well stocked in terms of batting and may look the same from last year. Skipper Dinesh Karthik leads the way in their batting department.

They are a little short on Indian fast bowlers as Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi have been ruled out for the tournament. But they still have Prasidh Krishna from last year. They also have a plethora of brilliant spinners with Kuldeep Yadav leading the way.

So, without further ado, here's KKR's strongest possible playing XI vs Sunrisers Hyderabad in their first match:

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#1 Top Order

Sunil Narine is a deadly striker of the ball

KKR's top order will look a lot similar to last year's. The openers would be Chris Lynn and Sunil Narine. Lynn and Narine have been providing KKR with brilliant starts for quite some time now. Narine in particular has become a very attacking batsman.

Lynn typically takes a bit of time to get going. Narine comes in handy with the ball too as he bowls 4 overs for KKR almost every match. In at number 3, will be Robin Uthappa. Robin has been KKR's mainstay for some years now and he will be again playing one down, just like last year.

Robin is a typically attacking batsman and he can play spinners very well. He has the ability to keep the momentum going in the middle overs and he can up the ante at any given moment. KKR's top 3 look quite settled at the moment.

#2 Middle Order

Dinesh Karthik's stock has been increasing in T20 cricket

KKR's middle order is where their strength lies. They have a very flexible middle order and can change their batting order according to the situations in the match.

In at number 4, will be Shubman Gill. The youngster showed glimpses of his talent last year and will be looking to put a more consistent run this year. To be fair to him, he batted down the order last year and Karthik would be looking to push Gill up the order this time out.

In at number 5 will, be Nitish Rana. Rana is a kind of player who can give you 2-3 overs every match with his bowling and be a solid option in the middle order. The Delhi lad is an attacking batsman by nature and was very good for KKR last year.

In at number 6, will be skipper Dinesh Karthik. Karthik can be regarded as one of the best finishers in T20 cricket at the moment. Karthik was absolutely magnificent for KKR last year and will be looking forward to leading this team this year.

In at number 7 will be, Andre Russell. There is no doubt that Russell is an absolute match-winner. His hard-hitting ability is up there with the very best and he can give Karthik 3-4 overs every match. Russell will continue to play an important role in this KKR side.

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#3 Lower Order

KKR have magnificent spinners in their ranks

In at number 7, will be Piyush Chawla. The veteran leg spinner of KKR will return this year with his quick googlies. Chawla is an important player in this lineup as he offers something different to Kuldeep Yadav and he can also bat a bit, which comes handy in the slog overs.

In at number 8, will be Prasidh Krishna. Krishna was brilliant for KKR last year and his death bowling was a revelation. Krishna has more responsibility this year as Shivam Mavi is absent for the whole tournament.

In at number 10 will be, Lockie Ferguson. The New Zealand speedster adds a bit of pace to this bowling lineup. Ferguson has enjoyed a good year internationally for the Black Caps and will be looking to produce the goods for KKR this year.

In at number 11, will be Kuldeep Yadav. Yadav is clearly the leader of the bowling attack. The Chinaman has been nothing short of brilliant in Indian colours and will be heading into IPL 2019 in red hot form. Yadav can also be considered as one of the favourites to win the purple cap this year.