IPL 2019 – Match 10: Delhi Capitals vs Kolkata Knight Riders – KKR Predicted Playing XI

After the first two games that they have played, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) give the impression that they are one of the strongest sides in the tournament this year. Led well by Dinesh Karthik, the team has got all of its bases covered and is playing some destructive cricket. With some of the best hitters in their line-up, they aren’t easy to beat.

However, it is in their bowling department where there is a slight bit of concern. They have conceded a lot of runs to the opposition but their batting has made up for this shortcoming so far. Dinesh Karthik is known to back his men and doesn’t often change the eleven. But will he make any changes to the eleven keeping the conditions in mind?

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):

Openers (Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine)

Chris Lynn is due for a big one and hasn’t appeared to be at his best in the last two games. The Australian hasn’t been in the greatest of forms in recent times and playing in Delhi won’t be any easy as the ball doesn’t come onto bat well. Though, he will be determined to make his mark in the upcoming match and prove his potential.

His partner Sunil Narine was on fire in the last game. The Caribbean cricketer’s role will be to fire in all cylinders in the powerplay and take the team off to a flyer. His bowling hasn’t been completely impressive as yet and leaked a lot of runs in the last match. With some assistance for the spinners, the Kotla pitch will be good for Narine to bowl on.

Middle Order (Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik (c)(wk), Shubman Gill)

Robin Uthappa played a fine knock in the last match. He was unbeaten on 67 off 50 balls and anchored the innings brilliantly. Even Nitish Rana is playing great cricket and scored fifties in both the games he played. With both these players performing so well, it leaves very little room for a talent like Shubman Gill to be fitted into the top-order.

Therefore, the 19-year-old has to continue to bat at either five, six or sometimes at seven as well. Dinesh Karthik is also due for a big knock and will have a massive responsibility playing on a tough Delhi surface. He has been brilliant with his captaincy tactics and has handed the young bowlers really well.

All Rounders (Andre Russell)

Andre Russell had a massive role to play in KKR’s success in the first two games. Destructive would be an understatement after watching the way he has been hitting the ball. Moreover, he is doing well with the ball as well and is picking up some important wickets of the opposition. It would be interesting to see how he fares on the Delhi pitch that is slightly tougher to bat on.

Bowlers (Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Prasidh Krishna)

KKR spinner’s bowling form has been a slight concern in the last two games. While Piyush Chawla and Kuldeep Yadav usually pick wickets in the middle overs, they haven’t been able to live up to the expectations. But it should be kept in mind that they bowled in tough conditions. So, they might bring out their best game in the upcoming match.

Even though they have a few options to look at, KKR is likely to give Lockie Ferguson and Prasidh Krishna another opportunity. Both of them are highly talented and have been in good rhythm. But they have failed to restrict the run-flow and need to work on bowling a few economical overs at the top and at the death.

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