Predicted Playing XI of Kolkata Knight Riders Against Chennai Super Kings

image-lgscwnq1Kolkata Knight Riders (Source: BCCI/IPL)

After three consecutive losses in a row, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be hoping to get their momentum right back on track when they face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. KKR have been struggling to find the right openers until now for the side along with a pace attack that is going for plenty.

Therefore, let's have a look at the side that is likely to feature in this game:

Openers

Jason Roy, Litton Das (wk)

Jason Roy was wonderful in the last game as he played a decent knock on a tough track which also was his first game of the season. Meanwhile, his opening partner in the last game, Litton Das who made his IPL debut couldn't score much but is likely to be backed considering he has the ability to change the game as demonstrated before in international cricket.

They have tried different combinations before in form of N Jagadeesan, Mandeep Singh, Rahmanullah Gurbaz and even Venkatesh Iyer but nothing really worked for them.

Middle-Order

Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana (c), Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Shardul Thakur

They have been mostly dependent on the middle order with Iyer scoring a century in the game against Mumbai Indians. Skipper Nitish Rana played two notable knocks against Gujarat Titans (GT) and SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH) as his scores were 45 and 75, respectively. However, he hasn't been consistent which he would want to improve upon.

Andra Russell hasn't really exploded in the tournament where he has been an absolute game-changer in the past. Nevertheless, the Caribbean superstar is close to getting back to his best. His quality and power are too good to be questioned. Until now, in six matches, he has only managed 98 runs with just three wickets to his name.

Hero of KKR until now, Rinku Singh has been tremendous for the Kolkata-based franchise where he saved them against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the most unlikeliest of chances with five consecutive sixes.

Shardul Thakur wasn't available for the last game with no reason given for his absence, however, if he's fit and available, he would be slotted right back in. His bowling is an added bonus which KKR would certainly enjoy.

Bowlers

Sunil Narine, Vaibhav Arora, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy

Sunil Narine is another name that hasn't really clicked in line with his skill and experience as his lack of form is a major concern. However, his spin partner Varun Chakravarthy has delivered with nine wickets in six games and just needs support from the other end.

Spinners have been Knight Riders' strength in the past and they would want to ensure that deliver everytime because of their pace bowling which isn't upto the mark.

Umesh Yadav has been a poor season with just one wicket in six games whereas there has been no one coming up as Lockie Ferguson and Tim Southee going for plenty in the games they have played. But there's a possibility that Vaibhav Arora could be drafted in place of Kulwant Khejroliya.

Impact Players:

  • Suyash Sharma
  • Anukul Roy
  • N Jagadeesan 
  • David Wiese
  • Mandeep Singh