IPL2020: Top three picks for Kolkata Knight Riders against Rajasthan Royals

After enduring a defeat against Chennai Super Kings in their last game, Kolkata Knight Riders will face Rajasthan Royals in the last game of the season. In IPL 2020, Kolkata Knight Riders have enjoyed less success compared to the previous season and have to win the game if they are to stand a chance to win the spot in the playoffs. With three spots still open for the grabs, Kolkata Knight Riders have to muster a victory with a good margin to qualify for the knockouts.

Previous season too, Kolkata Knight Riders ended up on 12 points but had a good net run rate which allowed them to go ahead. However, a victory on Sunday cannot guarantee a place for the side in the playoffs but will keep them in contention. The last defeat has affected the team’s morale despite taking the game to the last delivery.

Though it was a disappointing defeat, Kolkata Knight Riders have to bank on the positives. Nitish Rana and Shubhman Gill are able to provide a substantial start and Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik are able to get the team going. The bowlers have been effective in the middle overs and Varun Chakravarthy has been phenomenal in IPL 2020. Eoin Morgan will be hoping for a strong performance from every individual on Sunday at Dubai International Stadium.

WE GO ALL IN TONIGHT! 💪@chakaravarthy29 @DineshKarthik #KKRHaiTaiyaar #Dream11IPL #KKRvRR pic.twitter.com/sTZn5vKPka

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) November 1, 2020

Here are the top three picks for Kolkata Knight Riders against Rajasthan Royals in the second fixture of the day:

#1) Pat Cummins

After being signed for a huge sum of 15.5 crores, Kolkata Knight Riders expected the same performance from Pat Cummins as that of Andre Russell. Though the player has tried to match it but has failed to provide consistent performances. In some games, his bowling has been off-colour whereas, in some games, Pat Cummins’ batting has been sub-par. Kolkata Knight Riders have reached the crucial juncture and require the Australian’s performance big time.

In IPL 2020, Pat Cummins has 131 runs from 13 games apart from eight wickets. Against the in-form batting line-up of Rajasthan Royals, Pat Cummins has a big role to play at Dubai International Stadium.

#2) Nitish Rana

The left-handed batsman has been a revelation for the side at the top of the order for Kolkata Knight Riders. KKR were struggling to get a good start at the top of the order by Rana has proved himself with his versatility. He will be one of the top three picks for Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday against Rajasthan Royals.

In IPL 2020, Nitish Rana has remained consistent barring one or two games. He has 352 runs in 13 games, averaging 27.07. He has struck the ball at a strike rate of 139.13 which is one of the best for KKR this season.

#3)  Sunil Narine

The West Indian was effective with both bat and ball in the previous season but has failed to repeat this season which has caused damage to the team. In the ongoing edition of the league, Sunil Narine was even reported for a suspected bowling action which made the side to sit him for two consecutive games until he received NOC.

On Sunday, the team will bank on Narine for the performances from both bat and ball. In IPL 2020, he has just five wickets in nine games and has scored 131 runs with just one fifty for his team. However, he will be one of the top three picks for his side on Sunday at the slow track of  Dubai International Stadium.