Shreyas Iyer To Bench Mitchell Starc?, KKR's Probable XI For IPL 2024 Match vs RCB

Muskaan Bhatt

  Kolkata Knight Riders (IPLT20.com)  Kolkata Knight Riders (IPLT20.com)

As Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) gear up to face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the IPL 2024 clash at Chinnaswamy Stadium on Friday, all eyes are on the team's lineup, especially considering the performance in their previous match and the potential changes they might make.

KKR's opening match victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad saw a spectacular display of batting prowess, with Phil Salt and Andre Russell stealing the show with their explosive performances. However, despite their strong start, there are lingering questions over the team's composition, particularly in the bowling department.

One name that has sparked speculation is Mitchell Starc, the high-profile overseas acquisition for KKR. Starc's performance in the opening match against SRH left much to be desired, conceding 53 runs without taking a wicket. With his hefty price tag and underwhelming performance, there are murmurs that KKR might consider benching him for the upcoming match against RCB.

While the decision to bench Starc remains uncertain, KKR's probable XI for the match includes some notable names. Phil Salt, whose aggressive 54-run assault in the previous match set the tone for KKR's victory, is expected to retain his spot as an overseas opener. Alongside him, the versatile Venkatesh Iyer is likely to continue providing stability at the top of the order.

The rest of the lineup features key players such as Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, and the ever-dangerous Andre Russell, ensuring depth and firepower in the batting lineup. In the bowling department, the spin trio of Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, and the promising Suyash Sharma are expected to play crucial roles in containing RCB's batting lineup.

Harshit Rana, who impressed with his performance in the previous match, might retain his place alongside Mitchell Starc, provided the team management opts to give the Australian pacer another chance to prove his worth.

As KKR aims to maintain its winning momentum and climb up the points table, the selection of the final XI will be crucial. 

Kolkata Knight Riders probable playing XI

Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy

Impact Player: Suyash Sharma/Chetan Sakariya in for Venkatesh Iyer