IPL 2020: Top three picks for Kolkata Knight Riders against Sunrisers Hyderabad

There is no change in fortunes for Kolkata Knight Riders despite changing their captain. Dinesh Karthik resigned from the captaincy and handed his captaincy to Eoin Morgan for better results. However, Mumbai Indians decimated Kolkata Knight Riders in their previous fixture.

With all odds against them, Kolkata Knight Riders are up against the fellow playoff spot contenders, Sunrisers Hyderabad at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Kolkata Knight Riders are in the fourth position and have to win the game if they are to keep up the momentum in the league.

The major cause of concern for Kolkata Knight Riders is misfiring Andre Russell. Though the Jamaican has bowled well and has won two back to back games, his batting has been below par in UAE> The team management have to re-assess the strategy to not rely on the big Jamaican.

The bowling too has been sub-par in the absence of Sunil Narine. The team’s plan to play with only five bowlers has backfired and Chris Green remained ineffective on his debut against Mumbai Indians. The team will have to address the bowling concerns too against SRH.

Here are the top three picks for Kolkata Knight Riders for the game against SRH on Sunday:

#1) Dinesh Karthik

The Tamilnadu and Indian back-up wicketkeeper, Dinesh Karthik resigned from his captaincy to focus more on his performance and to better the team’s results too. However, in the game against Mumbai Indians, Dinesh Karthik failed to get going and got out for a single-digit score. The player will be raring to go against Sunrisers Hyderabad to prove his mettle.

Whenever he has been put to walls, Dinesh Karthik has renounced and registered the comebacks. With the time ticking for the player, Dinesh Karthik special can be expected on Sunday. DK will be one of the top three picks for KKR at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

#2) Rahul Tripathi

The people have taken the name “Rahul” for granted and have adjusted the player wherever they seem fit. After Rahul Dravid and KL Rahul, it is Rahul Tripathi who has no proper batting position or role in the team’s line-up. He has even batted at No 8 in the ongoing edition of Indian Premier League.

Despite all the odds, Rahul Tripathi has performed to his best level. Even in the last game, Tripathi played a spectacular shot but was dismissed due to a more spectacular fielding. Rahul Tripathi will be one of the top three picks for KKR against SRH after being restored at the top of the order.

#3) Shubhman Gill

If one player has to be named who is consistent in the league for Kolkata Knight Riders, it is Shubhman Gill. One of the most valuable players and leading run-scorers for KKR, Shubman Gill has played an effective role in Kolkata’s victory. The team and captain will continue to expect similar performances from the player.

Shubhman Gill has 275 runs in eight games at an average close to 40. Though his strike rate is not up to the mark, Shubman Gill has laid the foundation for KKR’s victories. He will be one of the top three picks against Sunrisers Hyderabad on Sunday.