Since their encounter against Delhi Capitals earlier this month, things have not gone well for Kolkata Knight Riders. They crumpled in a pile facing former Knight Rider Kuldeep Yadav, defending a massive target built up by David Warner and Prithvi Shaw, after winning three of their previous four outings. They have already lost four consecutive games and are only one point ahead of Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians in the points standings.
Kolkata Knight Riders Preview:
Their Eleven is nevertheless impressive, but their big stars have proven ineffective. In the previous four games, they’ve used four distinct opening partnerships. Aaron Finch’s top-of-the-order batting performance against Rajasthan Royals gave them the chance, but he was forced to miss the match against Gujarat Titans due to a niggle. This season, Pat Cummins’ economy rate is 12. Venkatesh Iyer, who has batted down the order in the previous four games, has struggled to establish his groove.
Andre Russell has been their best and most consistent batsman, yet his endeavors have not resulted in victories – not even his 48* and 4 for 5 in the most recent encounter. Tim Southee, who has been productive in both the powerplay and death overs, seems to be another plus for the Knight Riders; his bowling average of 10 is the finest between many spinners who’ve already bowled at least ten overs this season.
Things started to change in the Capitals’ camp, especially after their smashing win against Punjab Kings the previous Wednesday, with David Warner heaping on scores at the top of the lineup and Kuldeep producing a quality return until the very last-over no-ball drama in the defeat to Rajasthan Royals. Shane Watson, the Capitals’ assistant coach, said that it took a day or two to process what occurred in the prior game, but the team has always had five days to recuperate and heal. The Capitals, who now have the greatest net run rate among other teams, would be right back in the battle for the top four with a win.
Most Likely Playing 11 players:
Delhi Capitals:
The team comprises Prithvi Shaw, David Warner, Sarfaraz Khan, Rishabh Pant (captain & wicket-keeper), Lalit Yadav, Rovman Powell, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Kuldeep Yadav, Mustafizur Rahman, and Khaleel Ahmed.
Kolkata Knight Riders:
The team comprises Sam Billings (wicket keeper), Sunil Narine, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Tim Southee, Shivam Mavi, Umesh Yadav, and Varun Chakravarthy.
