KXIP VS KKR Preview : KKR set to take on KXIP Punjab that their own den. The match brings much interest to the crowds as both teams gone through the rough phase last year and are determined to prove their mantle.
KXIP started their campaign on a winning note last year and continued their streak up to 6 matches where they got beaten once but faded away in the next half of the season due to the indifferent performance from their main players. The team has gone through the rebuilding phase and added few players through the auction like Mohammed Shami, Sam Curran, Mandeep Singh and Varun Chakravarthy who are expected to come in handy during this season. Already team full of young national talents who are getting better by each season are also expected to fire in batting which makes KXIP a team to watch out for in this season of the IPL
KKR on other hand looked a different team last year and can’t able to progress to playoff rounds as they would like to. But like KXIP they too strengthened the side with few new players which make the team exciting to watch this season. Led by Dinesh Karthik the team is expected to put a strong show this season.
Team Statistics
KXIP and KKR have built a strong rivalry over the years but KKR stays much ahead between these two sides by winning 15 out of the 23 matches they played against each other. but the contest looks tied when it comes to Mohali cricket ground the home ground of KXIP where both the teams have won thrice each. So it is evident that both the teams look to put up a strong show and extend their lead. Off the current players, Robin Uthappa emerged has the stand out performer with the bat as he scored 349 runs between these two sides. Sunil Narine is the highest wicket between the two sides with 26 scalps.
What To Expect Between These Two Sides
With new players in their ranks, KXIP is one of the teams to watch out for this season on paper. Last year also they started well but faded away due to the sudden dip in form from their key players. Their top order looks solid with KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, and Chris Gayle. With Karun Nair, David Miller and Moises Henriques in their ranks their middle are much better than last year. The arrival of Mohammed Shami and Sam Curran adds further value to their pace battery and their spin bowling quadrant looks solid like last year. So if they play up to their potential they are the team to beat in this season.
KKR is one of the most successful teams in the IPL but last year has been the forgettable season as they failed to qualify for the playoffs. Their top order has the combination of youth and experience along with the firepower in the name of Chris Lynn. Their middle order seems to be impressed with the trio of Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, and captain DK along with an all-round option in the name of Andre Russell. Their bowling is one of the strong zones which comprises of players like Sunil Narine, Lockie Ferguson, Shivam Mavi, and Kamlesh Nagarkoti. Overall consistent performance from its players will help to reach the level they would like to be.
Players To Watch Out For KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Kuldeep Yadav
With Piyush Chawla and Sunil marine in the ranks Kuldeep has lived in their shadows till last season but he is completely a different bowler now. He is making his mark in all formats of the game for India and is expected to repeat the same in this IPL too.
Sunil Narine
Hard hitting finger spinner Sunil Narine continues to grow his stature over the years. he has got the different stock deliveries which make the batsmen difficult to read also hand with the bat is expected to come good against KXIP in this match.
Players To Watch Out For KXIP (Kings XI Punjab)
Mohammed Shami
Having emerged as the leading pace bowler across all formats of the game for India 2019 has been an outstanding year for Shami. He will look to put up a strong performance in this season of IPL which will boost his confidence during the much awaited 50-over world cup in July.
KL Rahul
One of the exciting talents but faded away due to indifferent form KL Rahul is the highest run-getter for KXIP last year. With strong performance will seal the spot as a reserve opener in Indian world cup squad he will look to replicate the last year’s performance.
Final Words–
Both the teams are strong on paper if they were able to play up to their potential it will be the real treat for cricket fans.
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