IPL 2023 : KKR’s middle-order needs to step up in a batting friendly Chinnaswamy to grab a win against RCB!

2-time IPL champions Kolkata Knight Riders are all set to test their luck against Royal Challengers Bangalore later tonight at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Over the last decade, this fixture has attracted a lot of eyes as both of the teams have developed a fierce rivalry between them.

KKR enter this fixture having conceded the highest total of IPL 2023 against Chennai Super Kings at the Eden Gardens. Nitish Rana’s side endured a tough 49-run loss against MS Dhoni’s CSK and they have an imperative task in hand against Royal Challengers Bangalore who are coming off from a 7-run win against Rajasthan Royals.

Yes Rinku Singh did the unthinkable. He played great shots in the last over. But to be frank the bowling was absolutely rubbish. Yash Dayal should be dropped from Team for a season if not more for this crime. #KKRvsGTpic.twitter.com/kbyXxGa2EB

— Crypto Cricketer (@cricketcoast) April 9, 2023

If Kolkata wants to save the season then the middle-order needs to hold their stance in the middle overs to provide further solidity in the batting line-up. The East Indian outfit is known for its death batting at the end but this year it certainly hasn’t worked in their favor.

Especially Andre Russell’s form has become a matter of concern as he is not looking at his best. His form has dipped down drastically. Last year he was batting at a strike rate of 174 and this year it is just around 140. KKR have also struggle in finding the best opening pair as they have tried out 5 different pairings in 7 games already.

Pathirana seals it for CSK with the wicket of Andre Russell!!

That Celebration is catching up…#IPL2023 #KKRvsCSK pic.twitter.com/We9w5fIohF

— OneCricket (@OneCricketApp) April 23, 2023

They have also given the most wickets in power play this season – 17 and their run rate in the first 6 overs is just over 7. With Jason Roy now among the options, some of KKR’s problems will be put to rest but not every. Nitish Rana needs to stick more time in the middle something which he has done until last year.

Maybe Captaincy has put a little extra pressure but Nitish Rana is an X factor. Left-handed batter Rinku Singh has been playing well since that outstanding knock against Gujarat at Ahmedabad and even against CSK he was able to score 53 off 33 and he needs the support of Nitish Rana and of course the big man Andre Russell.

The surface at Chinnaswamy will give KKR batters a perfect opportunity to come out of their shell and go big as it is tailor made for batting. The ground has seen the most Sixes being hit at a particular season with 102 and Chinnaswamy also holds significance for KKR because it is where they won their 2nd IPL title.