KOLKATA: A packed Eden Gardens is about to welcome again Kolkata Knight Riders once they play their first match right here after three years in opposition to Royal Challengers Bangalore at this iconic venue on Thursday.
Nevertheless, the passion won’t be devoid of considerations after the group went all the way down to Punjab Kings of their opening match this season.
07:43
KKR tackle star-studded RCB at dwelling
In distinction, the Faf du Plessis-led RCB have been off the block in model, recording a dominant win in opposition to Mumbai Indians. Though it’s an away match, the RCB won’t lack inputs in regards to the floor as their Bengal duo Shahbaz Ahmed and Akash Deep have performed sufficient cricket right here. The group administration will even not hesitate to hunt ideas from former KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik, who can be wanting to return to his former den.
Opening is as soon as once more prone to resolve the end result of the match. Whereas KKR proceed to battle in getting off to a good begin, RCB’s victory over MI was scripted by their opening duo, the skipper and Virat Kohli.
IPL 2023 SCHEDULE | IPL 2023 POINTS TABLE
The necessity of a superb begin has turn into all of the extra necessary for KKR as their middle-order appears to be like brittle within the absence of Shreyas Iyer and Shakib Al Hasan. Venkatesh Iyer regarded a pale shadow of what he did for KKR in his opening season whereas rather more is predicted from skipper Nitish Rana and Rinku Singh.
In any case, their key man Andre Russell will want a superb platform to launch his assault.
Nevertheless, KKR’s new coach Chandrakant Pandit is retaining religion in his batting unit. “I would not say that have is missing (within the high six). Each particular person has created some impression on the home and worldwide ranges and they’re all reputed cricketers. One can’t be judgmental after the primary sport,” he stated.
Issues will after all be robust in opposition to a superb tempo unit of Mohammed Siraj, Akash Deep and Harshal Patel on a observe which is predicted have bounce and carry.
There’s an opportunity of England’s left-arm pacer David Willey changing his countrymate Reece Topley, who has suffered a shoulder dislocation.
Nevertheless, the absence of Rajat Patidar can impact RCB because the Madhya Pradesh batter cemented his place within the facet, scoring 404 runs in 12 IPL matches.
The hosts’ bowling additionally lacked consistency with their trump card Sunil Narine going for 40 runs in his 4 overs within the final match. There’s some excellent news for KKR as pacer Lockie Ferguson was seen bowling on the nets after recovering from an harm.
Nevertheless, it stays to be seen whether or not the New Zealand participant is match-fit to switch Tim Southee, who leaked runs within the final sport.
Roy joins KKR
In a transfer to strengthen their high order, KKR have roped in England’s Jason Roy. With skipper Shreyas Iyer and Shakib Al Hasan out for the season, KKR wanted an skilled batter. Roy has earlier performed for 4 IPL sides specifically KKR, Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Lions and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Coach Pandit welcomed Roy stating that “aside from being a top-order batter, he can be utilized as an impression participant too.” The fitting-handed batter, nevertheless, won’t be obtainable for Thursday’s match and can be part of the facet in Ahmedabad for KKR’s subsequent sport in opposition to Gujarat Titans on Sunday.