IPL 2020: Match 21, KKR vs CSK- KKR Predicted Playing XI

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) almost pulled off an incredible run-chase against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in Sharjah, but ended up losing by 18 runs. Currently hanging midway in the points table, Dinesh Karthik and Co can’t afford to be complacent.

Even as they have some power-hitters in their ranks, the batting order still needs a bit of revamp going into the business end of the T20 tournament. Their next match is against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Wednesday, October 7 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

It may not be easy for KKR since MS Dhoni and Co are brimming with confidence after their 10-wicket victory over the Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in Dubai. For the time being, it remains to be seen whether or not the Knights make changes from their defeat against DC.

Here is the Predicted Playing XI for the Kolkata Knight Riders for KKR vs CSK game: 

Openers (Shubman Gill, Sunil Narine)

The Knight Riders need to re-think their opening combination at the earliest. Shubman Gill has been effective without a doubt, but it’s Sunil Narine’s form that has created a lot of headaches for them. Bowlers haven’t pitched the ball up to the latter and the strategy has paid dividends.

In four innings, the Trinidadian batter has 27 runs at a dismal average and strike-rate of 6.75 and 87.09 respectively. If Narine doesn’t perform next time, KKR have Rahul Tripathi, who had opened for the now defunct Rising Pune Supergiant and Rajasthan Royals, in their ranks.

As far as Shubman is concerned, he has 152 runs at an average of 50.66. But he needs to up his strike-rate, which is currently at 117.82. Also, the youngster has a fifty against CSK, though it was in 2018, and that should keep him in good stead.

Middle-order (Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik (C & WK), Eoin Morgan, Rahul Tripathi)

In KKR’s middle-order, Nitish Rana and Eoin Morgan have been in decent enough form. Rana has batted at no.3 and every time he has come out to bat he has managed to step on the gas right from the outset. The left-hander has a strike-rate of 156.62, showing how fluent he has been, to go with 130 runs at an average of 32.50.

Morgan, on the other hand, hasn’t been substandard by any means. The southpaw strained against Mumbai Indians (MI), but has found his mojo big time. He doesn’t have a fifty to his name, yet he has 136 runs at a strike-rate of 151.11.

In fact, it was his 18-ball 44 that kept the Knights in the hunt in their previous contest. Rahul Tripathi was impressive on his maiden outing for KKR. However, skipper Karthik needs to pull up his socks and get some runs.

All-rounders (Andre Russell)

In 2019, Andre Russell- the batsman hogged the headlines with his power-hitting and brute force. But this time around, it’s Russell- the bowler that’s been doing well. The Jamaican is currently the most economical bowler for the Men in Gold and Purple.

He has four wickets at an economy of 7.75. And he managed those wickets in eight overs at a strike-rate of 12. He has, nevertheless, been quiet with the bat in hand.

Scoring 48 runs thus far, Dre-Russ has threatened a couple of times, but he hasn’t converted the starts. He can’t be undermined though bearing in mind the damage he can do.

Bowlers (Pat Cummins, Shivam Mavi, Varun Chakravarthy, Kamlesh Nagarkoti)

In the bowling department, Pat Cummins has pretty much been feast or famine. The Australian speedster did exceptionally in two matches and then slumped in the other two. He only has two wickets, the ones of Jonny Bairstow and Steve Smith, and has a rather poor economy rate of 9.28.

Youngster Kamlesh Nagarkoti has three wickets and bowled well in the match against Smith’s Royals. Shivam Mavi has bowled with venom and has four wickets to show for his efforts. In the spin department, Varun Chakravarthy had a couple of decent outings to start his IPL 2020 campaign.

But then, he went for 49 against the Capitals, albeit he picked up one wicket. KKR’s veteran Sunil Narine has been lacklustre as well. He has two wickets and hasn’t looked at his best with his off-breaks.