IPL 2023 | Predicted XI of Kolkata Knight Riders Against Gujarat Titans

image-lh0g8u7xKKR sit at the 7th position in points table [iplt20.com]

After a clinical drubbing of Royal Challengers Bangalore, the Nitish Rana led Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will embark on a different challenge, this time against the defending champions, Gujarat Titans (GT) on April 29.

KKR sit at the 7th position in the points table and need to continue winning games to stay alive in the competition.

With a crucial game coming against Hardik Pandya's team, we look at the predicted playing XI of KKR for their next match.

Openers: Jason Roy and Narayan Jagadeesan

KKR have tried different opening combinations this season, but nothing worked for them, until the game against RCB. The duo of Narayan Jagadeesan and Jason Roy added 83 for the opening wicket and gave a solid start. Interestingly, Jagadeesan only scored 27 runs in 29 balls, but he should be backed by the KKR management to open alongside the Englishman.

Roy, has been a revelation for the former IPL champions. He has now scored back-to-back fifties and will be looking to continue the fine run against GT.

Middle-order: Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, David Wiese

KKR's middle-order should be unchanged from their last game against RCB. Venkatesh Iyer provides solidity at the number 3 position and he is followed by Nitish Rana, who is scoring bulk of runs for his side. The KKR skipper slammed a quick-fire 48 off 21 balls against RCB and is a pillar of strength for his side.

Despite Russell not being at his best in the ongoing IPL, there is no doubt that if he fires, KKR will be benefited in the long run.

The biggest positive for Indian cricket in this IPL has been Rinku Singh. Who can forget his five sixes against the same opposition a few days ago? He has played the role of a finisher to perfection and will be a key player once again against the defending champions.

Still not at his best, David Wiese will be a useful commodity at the Eden Gardens. He has the variety that is needed on a ground like Eden Gardens and can also chip in with fee quick runs if needed towards the end.

Bowlers: Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Umesh Yadav, Suyash Sharma

Despite going wicket-less for the last 5 games, there is no doubt that Narine is KKR's best bet. He is a game-changer with ball and if the pitch suites his bowling style, he will create the havoc.

The man of the hour for KKR, Varun Chakravarthy forms a formidable duo alongside Narine. The mystery spinner picked up 3 for 27 against a quality RCB side and will be the trump card against GT.

If Shardul Thakur is fit, he will straightaway slot in the playing XI. If he misses out, expect Umesh Yadav to continue to lead the attack for one more match.

If KKR are bowling first, expect Suyash Sharma, the newest star in town to be in the playing XI. If KKR are batting first, then Suyash will come in as the impact player and Vaibhav Arora will lead the attack.