(Info4now, April 1, 2022)- Before you get back to Wankhede for the KKR vs PBKS contest, have a comparative study of KKR’S first two games. In regard to both departments, it looks just the same. They were absolutely sensational with the ball and very casual in batting. Kolkata Knight Riders were definitely ahead of RCB as we expected in the preview. But the top order was in a hurry to pile on runs and in the process started crumbling.
It was very tough to defend 128 and it’s so on any turf. Still Shreyas Iyer was very tactical even towards the end to make the chase not an easy one. But the absence of a promising fifth in the attack has been an issue. For Punjab Kings, it was a good start to the tournament, as they escaped a defeat riding on Odean Smith’s fearless attempt.
Preview: KKR vs PBKS Match 8, IPL 2021
As KKR’s top order is still not at home in respect of the synthesis of scoring and maintaining run rate, Kagiso Rabada’s inclusion in the squad will energize Punjab. Rahul Chahar and Sandip Sharma are experienced enough. Arshdeep Singh is very wicket to wicket. But against a fearless side like Kolkata, it’s how Mayank Agarwal handles his bowlers.
Punjab have an excellent opening duo to dismantle any kind of pace attack. Bhanuka Rajapaksa played a match winning innings the last day. The middle order is designed by young Shahrukh Khan and powerful Odean Smith.
If Andre Russell is not looking fit, KKR must have a discussion in search of a perfect fifth. He can bowl only two overs and therefore either Venkatesh Iyer or Nitish Rana will take the charge whenever the equation is under control. Tim Southee back in the side was superb in the last game. With excellent seam position he keeps targeting the stump. Umesh Yadav will probably enjoy bowling back at Wankhede. There is nothing special for the spinners on the wickets and Chakravarthy should not mind the last game.
Ajinkya Rahane and Venkatesh Iyer should concentrate on their own respective strengths. The middle order of KKR are beautifully balanced with Shreyas Iyer, Sam Billings and Andre Russell. But what they have to consider is just the shot selections. Down the order, Sunil Narine and Tim Southee can bat.
To Conclude
KKR in a hurry to be already in their third game and they must try to stretch their points. Punjab Kings have everything to give Kolkata Knight Riders a good fight and would try their best to keep the momentum rolling. Considering the sharpness of bowling and the presence of so many captains in KKR’s side, Punjab are a little bit behind; but it’s who wins the toss and decides to chase.
Probable XI: KKR vs PBKS
Punjab: Mayank Agarwal, Shikhar Dhawan, Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Liam Livingston, Shahrukh Khan, Raj Bawa, Odean Smith, Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, Sandeep Sharma and Rahul Chahar.
Kolkata: Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana, Shreyas Iyer, Sam Billings, Andre Russell, Sheldon Jackson, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav and Varun Chakravarthy.
