Ajinkya Rahane and Shubman Gill (Image credit: BCCI/IPL)
KOLKATA: Change is the buzzword in Bengal now. Kolkata Knight Riders will be looking for the same in their home match-winning record this season when they return to Eden Gardens in about a month.
The three-time Indian Premier League champions have gotten off to a poor start as they have managed just one home win in four matches to start this year’s campaign.They made a remarkable turnaround by winning four matches in a row but defeat to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the last match once again put them on the brink of elimination. In reality, their chances of making the playoffs remain more of a mathematical possibility than a practicality.
Even a win in their last three matches, which would take their tally to a maximum of 15 points, may not be enough, as they will have to hope for a number of other results to their advantage. Also, winning three in a row will not be an easy task for KKR when they take on Gujarat Titans on Saturday.The outcome of the match is likely to impact GT more than KKR as a win would not only confirm the former’s place in the playoffs but would also boost their chances of finishing in the top two.
The Giants play as a well-equipped unit that covers all their bases. Even if you manage to limit their strikes, the archers will attack you hard. Remember how they bowled out a power batting force like Sunrisers Hyderabad for just 86 in the last match.They will start as favorites coming in on the back of a five-match winning streak. Former Knight Shubman Gillled wants to pull off a ‘double’ over KKR after beating them by five wickets in the first leg almost a month ago.It will be difficult for KKR’s bowling unit to stop Gujarat’s in-form opening duo of Gill and Sai Sudharsan. The two are among the top 10 players this season and give the team a strong start in almost all matches. Although not at his best, Jos Buttler has also contributed admirably at the drop and would love to return to a place where he took an unbeaten 107 off 60 for Rajasthan Royals in 2024.Washington Sundar scoring 50 runs in the order in the last match would inspire the top three to play more freely. And there is no easy choice in the bowling unit that includes Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Jason Holder and Rashid Khan.Read More: IPL Match Today, KKR vs GT: Playing XI Prediction, Head to Head, Bowl Timing, Pitch Report, Kolkata Weather Update
