What KKR should do to get back to winning ways

After winning its opening game against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Kolkata Knight Riders suffered a defeat against Chennai Superkings in their second match. KKR don't have big stars in their batting line-up, and with bowling stalwart, Mitchell Starc ruled out of the tournament, not many gave KKR much of a chance.

However, KKR has fought until now and with the kind of form it's top players are in, KKR is amongst the contenders to win the title.

KKR did exceptionally well to win against RCB, but their defeat against CSK has raised a few questions about the team selection. The Dinesh Karthik-led side had splashed money to buy young U19 players at the auction but in the first two matches, they did not field them in the playing XI and relied on domestic performers.

However, they might have to rethink their strategy and give these players a chance to prove their worth in IPL. We will look at the two changes KKR should make for the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

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Shubman Gill in place of Rinku Singh

Gill made a match-winning century in a high-pressure match against Pakistan in the U19 World Cup

Rinku Singh is one of the many young talents KKR has shown faith in this season. The 20-year-old middle-order batsman was selected in the squad owing to his big-hitting ability, but unfortunately, he hasn't been able to deliver for the side.

In the first two matches, Singh has scored a meagre 8 runs and the team management might look at options to replace him with. One of those options is the India U19 vice-captain, Shubman Gill.

The young Punjab batsman impressed everyone with his technique and temperament in the U19 World Cup and was also awarded the man of the tournament prize. Shubman's inclusion in the side can provide stability to KKR's middle order.

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Kamlesh Nagarkoti in place of Vinay Kumar

Should KKR consider giving Vinay Kumar a break?

Vinay Kumar is one of the most experienced bowlers in IPL. He has been around for a long time, and KKR selected him in the playing XI in order to use his experience in vital moments of the match. However, the first two matches have been nothing less than a nightmare for the 34-year-old.

While in the first match he went for 30 runs in his 2 overs, things got worse for him in the second as he went for 35 runs in 1.5 overs. A couple of bad matches doesn't make a player bad, but the team management will want to give the Indian pacer a break, to help him rejuvenate.

They have an able option in Kamlesh Nagarkoti to replace him. Nagarkoti was the find of the tournament for India in the team's title victory in the U19 World Cup. He has the ability to bowl consistently at 140 kph and can bring variety to KKR's bowling attack.

It seems like KKR doesn't want to hurry these players into the playing XI, but with the other players not performing, it might be about time to unleash the youngsters on the big stage.