IPL 2019, Match 6, KKR vs KXIP: 3 reasons why KKR will win the match

A lot has been discussed and said about Ravichandran Ashwin 'Mankading' Jos Buttler in the match between Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab. The cricket fraternity has been divided over the issue for two whole days now.

But the focus must shift to the cricket on the field - to the KKR vs KXIP match in particular.

KKR will come into this clash full of confidence considering they overpowered the mighty SRH bowling attack to start their campaign on a winning note. KXIP, on the other hand, had a pretty good game against RR with most of the batsmen chipping in and all their bowlers contributing as an unit.

Tonight's clash will primarily be a battle between KXIP's batting lineup and KKR's bowling. Considering their morale will be high and they will be playing on their home turf, KKR will start as favorites to win this match.

Here's looking at 3 reasons why KKR will win tonight's clash against KXIP:

1. Their captain Dinesh Karthik has yet to come to the party

One of the key reasons for KKR's success last season was the astute leadership of Dinesh Karthik and his consistent finishing down the order. In a role that he has grabbed with both hands, DK comes in at tough situations and finishes the innings well.

This applies to both innings - he is capable of piling on the runs when KKR bat first, and he also has the mental strength and acumen to absorb pressure, gauge the match situation and go about a chase.

Karthik failed in the first match against SRH, but would certainly look to make his presence felt with the bat today. KKR would hope that DK can put on a show which would please the capacity crowd that's expected to throng the Eden Gardens tonight.

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2. Their experienced campaigners are due to perform well

Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine and Chris Lynn had forgettable starts to IPL 2019. Narine leaked plenty of runs and was taken to the cleaners by David Warner in the first game.

He suffered a minor injury setback against SRH, but is expected to be completely fit and raring to go against KXIP.

Narine's role as a pinch hitting opener may help in rejuvenating his bowling. He would be looking to contribute a quickfire 30-40 runs with the bat at the top of the order.

Another experienced campaigner who is due to perform well is the hard-hitting Aussie Chris Lynn. Lynn's inability to attack spinners from the word go is a cause for concern, and is something that has hampered his T20 game, especially in the spin friendly conditions offered in the IPL.

Lynn would be hoping that he can tee off and connect tonight. A few clean, crisp shots can get him going and once he's set it would be difficult for KXIP's bowlers to stop him.

If both Narine and Lynn find form tonight, it certainly would make things easier for KKR.

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3. Andre Russell has announced himself in style

Andre Russell

Andre Russell has proved to the world why he is among the best in T20 cricket. His outstanding, jaw-dropping ability to clear the boundary is what separates him from the others.

KKR needed 64 to win off 24 balls against the mighty SRH bowling attack when Russell walked in to bat. He went about surgically demolishing the bowlers; first it was Siddarth Kaul who had to face the brunt, and that was followed by their captain Bhuvneshwar Kumar and finally Shakib Al Hasan.

Russell was connecting in a style which very few players can emulate. He is a proven match winner and his exploits in the first game are enough proof of that.

Like most hard hitting batsmen, Russell likes the ball coming onto the bat at the start of his innings. If Ashwin or Mujeeb Ur Rahman can come in and curtail his run-scoring or even dismiss him, it would be ideal for KXIP, or else it would be very hard for the bowlers to curb Russell in this kind of form.

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