(Info4now)- The tournament is inching towards the halfway stage as Kolkata to play against Delhi Capitals today, but tension of covid is also inching a danger line. As we discussed in the last article, it’s very tough to make a preview of a match or to make the game more interesting with our game plan in a grim situation like this. So before we head towards the review, we request all of you to mask up and try to minimize the transfer.
Delhi have to manage the marginal result in their favour or they need a comprehensive win to declare them a good competitor for the first two spots. When Hetmyer and Rishabh Pant were taking the game away from the opposition last time, they were just a bit late. Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, beat Punjab Kings again riding on their terrific execution of bowling, but still lack competitive batting strength.
Preview of Match 25, KKR vs Delhi Capitals
Shikhar Dhawan and Prithvi Shaw are taking the responsibility not to let it get slow at the start. Steve Smith is the balance in the middle with all his experience. Rishabh Pant failed in one or two occasions, but is in terrific form. Stoinis and Hetmyer are very cool while their bats never looked so. They have the ability to rotate strike and at the same time can deal with biggies. As Ashwin missed out, down the order Axar Patel is the only player who can bat a little.
As a replacement of R. Ashwin, Ishant Sharma absolutely fits into the slot, as Delhi already playing two spinners. As Kolkata have a few numbers of left-hand batsmen, Delhi wouldn’t mind playing two leg-spinners. Besides, they have the variations to move the ball in the opposite direction. Avesh Khan should bowl at a stretch if in rhythm. Kagiso Rabada and Ishant Sharma need no special introduction.
Even though Kolkata lost a fair number of games, I still believe that KKR have the best bowling unit this season. They have to keep it okay with accurate line and length. Prasidh Krishna, Pat Cummins and Shivam Mavi are bowling extremely well. For a change, Lockie Ferguson might be introduced in place of tired Cummins. Sunil Narine didn’t play at the earlier phase and therefore he must continue. Varun Chakravarthy is very disciplined.
Kolkata have no good replacement for Subhman Gill, Nitish Rana and Rahul Tripathi. But that doesn’t mean you have to go with them in every game. KKR have to pick someone from the bench immediately and it’s very necessary to know the strength of the backups. If it’s a good tactic to believe in the same playing XI, it’s also very important to rotate. KKR have the most inconsistent middle order and it’s something they must try to improve.
Conclusion
The bowlers have something to bowl at Motera, Ahmedabad. The ground is not short. They can plan their strategy keeping in mind the longer side of the park. Here runs can be chased down and defended also. Captains must look into their own respective strengths while considering the toss.