While Kolkata Knight Riders have a poor record against Mumbai Indians, they went experimental last night. They played Tom Banton to open the innings against Royal Challengers Bangalore and sent him back to the bench in the next game. As Subhman Gill continues to remain a permanent opener and at the other end of the crease no one takes greater responsibility, question moves back to Gill himself. As the opposition is going to chase what you have scored and not how classic you are, you have to escalate in time. I think Kolkata should have planned how to handle Trent Boult and Jaspreet Bumrah. But they didn’t.
It might have been better to go with Tom at the top and for more spin, they could have picked Kuldeep. The reason behind why I am saying so is that they might have not experimented that, just against Mumbai. Though the handing over of captaincy is a personal matter and it can never be intervened, just before a big contest, it costs.
They won the toss last night and could not capitalise it. As the first wicket got down, Nitish Rana was sent and therefore, an off-form player had to face big ones of Mumbai. In my last preview between KKR vs MI, I said that Rana might be pushed down the order. They have six games left and it’s time to fix best XI.
Marked problems in the camp…
Slow start…
While batting, KKR continuously fail to make the most of the powerplay. If one of the two openers cannot go after the bowlers, it becomes very tough for the next ones to follow. It’s time for Subhman Gill to revise his task. RCB have the same problem at the top, as Finch is yet to deliver big innings. But it doesn’t matter for RCB and the reason behind it needs no explanation.
Batting position…
KKR could not find a particular position for a number of batsmen. It’s a clear mindset that prepares a batsman even before the start of a game. You can’t rotate the batting position every day.
Off-form…
A number of middle order batsmen are still looking to find their rhythm, Karthik, Russell and Rana topping that list.
Plus points in the side…
Good bowling unit, if not the best…
KKR’s bowling can never be compared to those of Mumbai Indians or Delhi Capitals. Still I cannot say that their bowling is a huge problem. Though they are lacking in picking wickets, it may be compensated with being economical.
Comparatively young side…
KKR, being a young side, may utilise a number of things like running between the wickets, fielding etc. If groomed well, they can deliver more than what they did.
What’s next…
Kolkata’s next three matches are at Abu Dhabi. So they can plan for best XI against SRH, RCB and Delhi Capitals. They must ensure their fourth overseas player.
K’s conclusion…
“If KKR are looking forward to doing something better, Dinesh Karthik has to get back to form.”