Kolkata Knight Riders have changed their fortunes in the second phase of the Indian Premier League, after their substandard first phase. With the addition of their new all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer and a better performance of the unit than the previous phase at India, KKR has gained some momentum in the UAE.

The Knight Riders have played five matches in the UAE and won three out of them, beating the big guns like Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. But they have lost against Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings.

The Kolkata-based franchise has been suffering from the injuries of their star players Andre Russell and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20-blast-2021-yorkshire-speedster-lockie-ferguson-tests-positive-for-covid-19-ruled-out-of-quarter-final-clash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lockie Ferguson</a>. In one of the post-match conferences, Brendon McCullum also stated that ‘the injury concerns of Russell upsets the team’s balance’.

KKR are now currently placed number four in the table and still have two matches left against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals. These two matches will decide their fate for this season and they would contemplate bringing in the best combinations for their upcoming games.

Here are the three changes that KKR need to make to get back to winning ways:

1. Shakib Al Hasan for Tim Seifert

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-488964" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shakib-Al-Hasan.jpg" alt="Shakib Al Hasan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-488964" class="wp-caption-text">Shakib Al Hasan. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/GettyImages)</figcaption>

The Kiwi wicketkeeper-batsman, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-brendon-mccullum-explains-the-reason-for-picking-tim-seifert-over-shakib-al-hasan-in-kkr-vs-pbks-match/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tim Seifert</a> played his first IPL match representing KKR against Punjab Kings, but failed to make an impact. Being a traditional top order batsman for New Zealand, he was sent to bat at number seven with just two overs remaining in the inning.

This change led to KKR losing their luxury of having an extra bowler and had to make their part time medium pacer, Venkatesh Iyer, their main bowler. This replacement hit their team combination very badly.

Shakib, being an impeccable all-rounder, could bat well in the middle overs and bowl even in powerplays and in death overs accompanying Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. He is expected to replace Seifert to bring the balance back in the team. The KKR head coach also hinted at the inclusion of Shakib Al Hasan in the upcoming matches.

2. Ben Cutting for Tim Southee

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-483566" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ben-Cutting.jpg" alt="Ben Cutting" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-483566" class="wp-caption-text">Ben Cutting. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/he-has-done-nothing-wrong-gautam-gambhir-backs-ravi-ashwin-over-his-row-with-eoin-morgan-and-tim-southee/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tim Southee</a>, an experienced campaigner, has not played up to his standards and expectations. The Kiwi bowler was initially taken as a replacement for the unfit Andre Russell, where he could compensate by bowling in the death overs. But he was expensive in the previous games and did not fit in as the right change.

The Australian all-rounder was in contention for selection, but he was not included in the first eleven. This player has good variations in his fast-medium bowling and his cutters in the slow-placed wickets at UAE could help KKR.

Cutting has to be the perfect replacement of Russell considering his all-round capability and bowling style. However the final decision on the replacement has to be taken by the management and it remains to be seen what decision they make.

3. Prasidh Krishna for Shivam Mavi

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-255087" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Prasidh-Krishna.jpg" alt="Prasidh Krishna" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-255087" class="wp-caption-text">Prasidh Krishna. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption>

The spot for the Indian pacer in KKR’s side has not been cemented by anyone just yet. The captain has been constantly changing the Indian pacer in the eleven, trying out various options. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-kieron-pollard-gives-a-cold-stare-to-prasidh-krishna-after-pacers-intimidating-action/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prasidh Krishna</a> being their go-to bowler was expensive in few games. So he was replaced by the medium pacer Sandeep Warrier in the game against Delhi, where he bowled just two overs giving fifteen runs and finished wicketless.

Lockie Ferguson, who was a shining star in the squad, had to leave the field halfway against Delhi due to an injury. So, despite Warrier having a decent performance against Delhi, the inclusion of a fast bowler, who could accompany Southee in the death overs, was essential. So Shivam Mavi was made to play the last game.

Though Mavi had a decent economy and took a wicket in the match against Punjab, KKR would go with Prasidh as he was one of the best wicket tackers of their side. KKR should back him to bowl well in the death overs.

~Written by Mathuravardhan Sivakumar

Kolkata Knight Riders have changed their fortunes in the second phase of the Indian Premier League, after their substandard first phase. With the addition of their new all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer and a better performance of the unit than the previous phase at India, KKR has gained some momentum in the UAE.
The Knight Riders have played five matches in the UAE and won three out of them, beating the big guns like Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. But they have lost against Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings.
The Kolkata-based franchise has been suffering from the injuries of their star players Andre Russell and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20-blast-2021-yorkshire-speedster-lockie-ferguson-tests-positive-for-covid-19-ruled-out-of-quarter-final-clash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lockie Ferguson</a>. In one of the post-match conferences, Brendon McCullum also stated that ‘the injury concerns of Russell upsets the team’s balance’.
KKR are now currently placed number four in the table and still have two matches left against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals. These two matches will decide their fate for this season and they would contemplate bringing in the best combinations for their upcoming games.
<h3>Here are the three changes that KKR need to make to get back to winning ways:</h3>
<h3>1. Shakib Al Hasan for Tim Seifert</h3>
<figure id="attachment_488964" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-488964" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-488964" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shakib-Al-Hasan.jpg" alt="Shakib Al Hasan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-488964" class="wp-caption-text">Shakib Al Hasan. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/GettyImages)</figcaption></figure>
The Kiwi wicketkeeper-batsman, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-brendon-mccullum-explains-the-reason-for-picking-tim-seifert-over-shakib-al-hasan-in-kkr-vs-pbks-match/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tim Seifert</a> played his first IPL match representing KKR against Punjab Kings, but failed to make an impact. Being a traditional top order batsman for New Zealand, he was sent to bat at number seven with just two overs remaining in the inning.
This change led to KKR losing their luxury of having an extra bowler and had to make their part time medium pacer, Venkatesh Iyer, their main bowler. This replacement hit their team combination very badly.
Shakib, being an impeccable all-rounder, could bat well in the middle overs and bowl even in powerplays and in death overs accompanying Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. He is expected to replace Seifert to bring the balance back in the team. The KKR head coach also hinted at the inclusion of Shakib Al Hasan in the upcoming matches.

<h3>2. Ben Cutting for Tim Southee</h3>
<figure id="attachment_483566" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-483566" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-483566" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ben-Cutting.jpg" alt="Ben Cutting" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-483566" class="wp-caption-text">Ben Cutting. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/he-has-done-nothing-wrong-gautam-gambhir-backs-ravi-ashwin-over-his-row-with-eoin-morgan-and-tim-southee/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tim Southee</a>, an experienced campaigner, has not played up to his standards and expectations. The Kiwi bowler was initially taken as a replacement for the unfit Andre Russell, where he could compensate by bowling in the death overs. But he was expensive in the previous games and did not fit in as the right change.
The Australian all-rounder was in contention for selection, but he was not included in the first eleven. This player has good variations in his fast-medium bowling and his cutters in the slow-placed wickets at UAE could help KKR.
Cutting has to be the perfect replacement of Russell considering his all-round capability and bowling style. However the final decision on the replacement has to be taken by the management and it remains to be seen what decision they make.

<h3>3. Prasidh Krishna for Shivam Mavi</h3>
<figure id="attachment_255087" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-255087" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-255087" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Prasidh-Krishna.jpg" alt="Prasidh Krishna" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-255087" class="wp-caption-text">Prasidh Krishna. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
The spot for the Indian pacer in KKR’s side has not been cemented by anyone just yet. The captain has been constantly changing the Indian pacer in the eleven, trying out various options. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-kieron-pollard-gives-a-cold-stare-to-prasidh-krishna-after-pacers-intimidating-action/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prasidh Krishna</a> being their go-to bowler was expensive in few games. So he was replaced by the medium pacer Sandeep Warrier in the game against Delhi, where he bowled just two overs giving fifteen runs and finished wicketless.
Lockie Ferguson, who was a shining star in the squad, had to leave the field halfway against Delhi due to an injury. So, despite Warrier having a decent performance against Delhi, the inclusion of a fast bowler, who could accompany Southee in the death overs, was essential. So Shivam Mavi was made to play the last game.
Though Mavi had a decent economy and took a wicket in the match against Punjab, KKR would go with Prasidh as he was one of the best wicket tackers of their side. KKR should back him to bowl well in the death overs.
~Written by Mathuravardhan Sivakumar

Kolkata Knight Riders have changed their fortunes in the second phase of the Indian Premier League, after their substandard first phase. With the addition of their new all-rounder Venkatesh Iyer and a better performance of the unit than the previous phase at India, KKR has gained some momentum in the UAE.
The Knight Riders have played five matches in the UAE and won three out of them, beating the big guns like Royal Challengers Bangalore, Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals. But they have lost against Chennai Super Kings and Punjab Kings.
The Kolkata-based franchise has been suffering from the injuries of their star players Andre Russell and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20-blast-2021-yorkshire-speedster-lockie-ferguson-tests-positive-for-covid-19-ruled-out-of-quarter-final-clash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Lockie Ferguson</a>. In one of the post-match conferences, Brendon McCullum also stated that ‘the injury concerns of Russell upsets the team’s balance’.
KKR are now currently placed number four in the table and still have two matches left against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals. These two matches will decide their fate for this season and they would contemplate bringing in the best combinations for their upcoming games.
<h3>Here are the three changes that KKR need to make to get back to winning ways:</h3>
<h3>1. Shakib Al Hasan for Tim Seifert</h3>
<figure id="attachment_488964" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-488964" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-488964" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Shakib-Al-Hasan.jpg" alt="Shakib Al Hasan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-488964" class="wp-caption-text">Shakib Al Hasan. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/GettyImages)</figcaption></figure>
The Kiwi wicketkeeper-batsman, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-brendon-mccullum-explains-the-reason-for-picking-tim-seifert-over-shakib-al-hasan-in-kkr-vs-pbks-match/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tim Seifert</a> played his first IPL match representing KKR against Punjab Kings, but failed to make an impact. Being a traditional top order batsman for New Zealand, he was sent to bat at number seven with just two overs remaining in the inning.
This change led to KKR losing their luxury of having an extra bowler and had to make their part time medium pacer, Venkatesh Iyer, their main bowler. This replacement hit their team combination very badly.
Shakib, being an impeccable all-rounder, could bat well in the middle overs and bowl even in powerplays and in death overs accompanying Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy. He is expected to replace Seifert to bring the balance back in the team. The KKR head coach also hinted at the inclusion of Shakib Al Hasan in the upcoming matches.

<h3>2. Ben Cutting for Tim Southee</h3>
<figure id="attachment_483566" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-483566" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-483566" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ben-Cutting.jpg" alt="Ben Cutting" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-483566" class="wp-caption-text">Ben Cutting. (Photo Source: Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/he-has-done-nothing-wrong-gautam-gambhir-backs-ravi-ashwin-over-his-row-with-eoin-morgan-and-tim-southee/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tim Southee</a>, an experienced campaigner, has not played up to his standards and expectations. The Kiwi bowler was initially taken as a replacement for the unfit Andre Russell, where he could compensate by bowling in the death overs. But he was expensive in the previous games and did not fit in as the right change.
The Australian all-rounder was in contention for selection, but he was not included in the first eleven. This player has good variations in his fast-medium bowling and his cutters in the slow-placed wickets at UAE could help KKR.
Cutting has to be the perfect replacement of Russell considering his all-round capability and bowling style. However the final decision on the replacement has to be taken by the management and it remains to be seen what decision they make.

<h3>3. Prasidh Krishna for Shivam Mavi</h3>
<figure id="attachment_255087" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-255087" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-255087" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Prasidh-Krishna.jpg" alt="Prasidh Krishna" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-255087" class="wp-caption-text">Prasidh Krishna. (Photo by IANS)</figcaption></figure>
The spot for the Indian pacer in KKR’s side has not been cemented by anyone just yet. The captain has been constantly changing the Indian pacer in the eleven, trying out various options. <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-kieron-pollard-gives-a-cold-stare-to-prasidh-krishna-after-pacers-intimidating-action/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prasidh Krishna</a> being their go-to bowler was expensive in few games. So he was replaced by the medium pacer Sandeep Warrier in the game against Delhi, where he bowled just two overs giving fifteen runs and finished wicketless.
Lockie Ferguson, who was a shining star in the squad, had to leave the field halfway against Delhi due to an injury. So, despite Warrier having a decent performance against Delhi, the inclusion of a fast bowler, who could accompany Southee in the death overs, was essential. So Shivam Mavi was made to play the last game.
Though Mavi had a decent economy and took a wicket in the match against Punjab, KKR would go with Prasidh as he was one of the best wicket tackers of their side. KKR should back him to bowl well in the death overs.
~Written by Mathuravardhan Sivakumar

The Knights have lost two games in the IPL 2021 UAE leg and are yet to qualify for the playoffs.

IPL 2021: 3 Changes Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) should make to get back to winning ways

KKR have changed their fortunes in the second phase of the Indian Premier League, after their substandard first phase. With the addition