IPL 2022: Match 1 – Strongest Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Predicted Playing XI against Chennai Super Kings

All Rounders – Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shivam Mavi

Andre Russell has been pivotal to the KKR middle-order for a long time now and he has the ability to win games on his own with some enormous ball-striking abilities. The right-hander will play the finisher role for the side and he can also contribute to the bowling department with his medium pace. Russell will be the X factor player for KKR and the franchise would benefit hugely if he is fit for the entire season.

Sunil Narine has also done wonders for the franchise since his debut in IPL and his mystery spin still has been very effective in the limited-overs format. He can also be used as a floater in the batting order, especially against spin bowling where he can smack sixes at will. Narine can be a match-winner in both the bowling and batting departments and he is likely to get the job done more often.

Shivam Mavi was paid a huge price in the mega auction to get back his services for KKR and it was on the back of a really good season last year. The right arm seamer picked up 11 wickets in 9 games towards the back end of the season last year and played a crucial role for KKR on their unbelievable comeback. Mavi is also very handy with the bat and is likely to play at number eight until Cummins arrives.