KKR Predicted Playing XI vs KXIP: Sportrush presents before you KKR’s Predicted Playing XI for their second IPL 2019 match.
After an intense finish at the Eden Gardens against SunRisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders now lock horns with Kings XI Punjab, in their second consecutive home game this season.
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The Dinesh Karthik-led team won the opening game with 2 balls to spare, but they will be looking for a more comprehensive win against KXIP. KKR's bilateral record against KXIP sees them winning 15 times out of 23, with Karthik hoping that the team can continue the good work.
With an impressive performance in the opening game, it is unlikely that the team will opt for changes against Kings XI. The Sports Rush now predicts the line-up for KKR against Punjab:
Chris Lynn:
Despite being dismissed only for 7 against SunRisers, Chris Lynn will be a major threat for the KXIP bowlers. The Australian opener has been a consistent performer over the past few years in the T20 leagues, and if its his day, he has the potential to destroy the opposition.
Nitish Rana:
An innings that was overshadowed by Andre Russell's brilliance, Nitish Rana played an equally important role with a brilliant 47-ball 68 at the top of the order. His consistency with the Mumbai Indians and now KKR makes him a good choice at the top of the order for Dinesh Karthik.
Robin Uthappa:
The experienced campaigner got off to a great start in the opening game but could not carry on. However, he will be willing to anchor the innings against KXIP and help the team to two wins at the start of the tournament.
Shubman Gill:
Shubman Gill came in late against the SunRisers Hyderabad, but he smashed two sixes off the last over bowled by Shakib Al Hasan to seal the deal for the home side. With that said, Gill will be an important part of the batting line-up for KKR.
Dinesh Karthik (c & wk):
The wicket-keeper batsman was dismissed cheaply in the opening game but his captaincy helped KKR get over the line in an intense finish. Moreover, Karthik's form towards the end of the innings in T20 cricket has improved drastically, making him a lethal finisher.
Andre Russell:
Andre Russell was awarded the Man of the Match award following a quick unbeaten 49 off just 19 balls with a mammoth strike-rate of 257.89 to dismantle the SunRisers bowling attack. Russell also picked up two wickets, making him an automatic choice for this game.
Sunil Narine:
Sunil Narine did not get the opportunity to bat against the SunRisers Hyderabad, but the left-hander has his highest IPL score of 75 against KXIP. Moreover, his best bowling figures of 5-16 also came against them, making KXIP his favourite team to play against. With that said, we can expect fireworks from Narine with both bat and bowl.
Piyush Chawla:
The leg-spinner is one of the most experienced bowlers going around in the IPL right now. Chawla was brilliant against Hyderabad in tough conditions, and will be important against a Kings XI line-up that will be prone to spinners.
Kuldeep Yadav:
Kuldeep Yadav can be termed as KKR's find. The left-arm chinaman bowler has been part of the Indian team ever since impressing through the IPL for KKR. His masterful variations will be key against the oppositions throughout the IPL, making him an automatic selection.
Lockie Ferguson:
The right-arm pacer from New Zealand made his IPL debut against Hyderabad where he bowled with a lot of heat. His brilliant pace will provide variety to the KKR attack, that has medium pacers as well as brilliant slow bowlers.
Prasidh Krishna:
The 23-year-old bowler opened the bowling for Dinesh Karthik's team in the previous game and started off pretty well. Krishna is expected to continue to open the bowling for KKR with the Eden Gardens favouring some movement with the new ball at the start.
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