Andre Russell for KKR in IPL 2024 (Source: IPLT20.com)
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IPL 2024 champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will begin their journey to defend the title on Saturday (March 22) when they take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the curtain-raiser of the forthcoming edition. The blockbuster fixture, fondly called 'El Primero', will take place at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
Even though the weather forecast is not so pleasant for the spectators, fans will be eagerly waiting to see their favourite superstars going head to head to kick off the proceedings. In this article, we will analyse how the Purple and Gold Brigade can form to get their best possible version while facing Virat Kohli and his boys.
De Kock, Sunil Narine At The Top; No Gurbaz, Sisodia
As KKR don't have the luxury to have swashbuckling Phil Salt any longer, the likes of Quinton de Kock, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Luvnith Sisodia are the potential options with whom Sunil Narine can form a new opening pair.
On priority, de Kock will probably get the first opportunity to shine, even though Gurbaz has been with the franchise for a while. On the other hand, Sisodia, who made a name for himself during the practice games, might have to wait for a while as well.
Rahane At No. 3; Followed By Venkatesh, And The Firepowers
With 36-year-old Rahane being the captain of the side, it is obvious that the veteran will try to promote himself to No. 3, if not to the top of the order if things go south. After that, Venkatesh Iyer, their 23.75 Cr IPL auction pick, is expected to come.
Batting Position
Inns
Runs
Avg
S/R
Opening
126
3685
32.9
122.06
No. 3
33
725
23.39
128.77
No. 4
5
111
22.2
148
No. 5
2
74
37
127.59
[Table - Ajinkya Rahane Numbers In IPL By Position]
Nevertheless, despite the price KKR spent to retain Venkatesh, the star boy is expected to be used as an impact substitute only, with the others providing more dynamics and fielding attributions compared to him. However, don't be surprised if Angkrish Raghuvanshi makes way to keep Venkatesh in the side.
Batting Position
Inns
Ducks
Runs
Avg
S/R
Opening
22
1
556
27.8
122.2
No. 3
15
1
562
43.23
168.77
No. 4
4
0
72
18
114.29
No. 5
3
0
99
49.5
119.28
[Table - Venkatesh Iyer Numbers In IPL By Position]
Nortje Joins A Well-Set Bowling Attack
With high-flying KKR bowling attack making waves in IPL 2024, there is not much of a change in the coming edition. Barring Mitchell Starc, who wreaked havocs in the playoffs, the KKR bowling unit remains the same. To fill the void for Starc, KKR have brought in Anrich Nortje and Spencer Johnson.
While Johnson can bring the left-arm pace attack to make the unit look more dynamic, KKR are expected to give Nortje an early opportunity to prosper. If he fails, Johnson can chip in, with Chetan Sakariya being there as well.
While Venkatesh will be used as an impact substitute, one of Vaibhav Arora or Mayank Markande will come in when KKR will bowl. Considering the pitch, KKR will bring in whoever is more suited for the conditions.
Nevertheless, Varun CV has now become a bigger name after his heroics in Champions Trophy. Therefore, expectations will be higher from the mystery spinner this time around.
Series
Mat
W
S/R
E/R
2020
13
17
18.35
6.85
2021
17
18
22.67
6.59
2022
11
6
39
8.51
2023
14
20
15.8
8.15
2024
15
21
14.29
8.04
[Table - Varun Chakravarthy's Numbers In IPL Over The Years]
Andre Russell for KKR in IPL 2024 (Source: IPLT20.com) (1).jpg?type=mq)
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