IPL 2020: Top 3 picks for Kolkata Knight Riders against Royal Challengers Bangalore

Kolkata Knight Riders breathed one more day at the office with a narrow victory against Kings XI Punjab on Saturday. The team successfully defended the total against Kings XI Punjab when the tides were against them. Kolkata have two wins on the trot and will look to make it three when they face Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday.

In their previous two games, Kolkata Knight Riders have turned the momentum towards them even if the opposition was firm favourite to win the clash. The timely change in the bowling helped the team to register the victory in the last gasp. However, they have to tweak their strategy a bit if they are to win against Royal Challengers Bangalore at Sharjah.

Ready for the Royal Challenge! 💪#KKRHaiTaiyaar #Dream11IPL #RCBvKKR pic.twitter.com/1FwcLveuNk

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) October 12, 2020

Sharjah has remained the firm favourites of batsmen and will continue the same trend. Huge totals have been chased down and last-gasp victory remains always in favour of the team batting second at Sharjah. The injury to Andre Russell and suspect report on Narine’s bowling action might have sent the shivers down Dinesh Karthik’s spine. KKR has to be inch-perfect in every department if they are to register a victory against RCB.

Here are the top three picks for Kolkata Knight Riders for their seventh game of the season on Monday:

#1) Dinesh Karthik

Kolkata Knight Riders found themselves in a muddle when they were reduced to 63 for three wickets at the end of 10.4 overs by Kings XI Punjab. The KKR captain, Dinesh Karthik bailed his team out of the situation with a stupendous 58 runs from 29 deliveries. His innings included eight boundaries and two maximums on a scorching Saturday noon. He will look to continue his fine form against his previous employers, Royal Challengers Bangalore too.

Batting down the order, DK is known for his finishing skills apart from keeping the scoreboard ticking. He will have a big role to play against Virat Kohli led-side with an injury threat looming over Andre Russell who hurt himself while fielding.

#2) Pat Cummins

The Australian fast bowling all-rounder was snatched under the noses of Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL Auction 2020 for a whopping 15.5 crores. The player is yet to justify the price tag though he has produced some electric performances on the field.

Royal Challengers Bangalore have found it tough to get going when their openers have failed to lay the foundation. Pat Cummins will look to make the early strides to RCB’s batting line-up and bring their main batsmen to crease at the earliest. Cummins will be one of the top three picks for Kolkata Knight Riders at Sharjah.

#3) Sunil Narine

The West Indian all-rounder has always haunted Royal Challengers Bangalore with his batting or bowling. He has two quickfire half-centuries to his name and will look to add one more if the team management permits him to open the innings. Sunil Narine has failed with the bat throughout the season and will look to find the mojo on Monday.

In the previous two games, it is Sunil Narine who has brought his team back into the contest. Though Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab were on the front foot and cruising towards the victory, Sunil Narine applied breaks and led his team to the victory. The West Indian will be one of the top three picks for Kolkata Knight Riders on Monday against his favourite opponent.