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*KKR VS GT*
*THE BUILD UP:*
*SAME OPPONENTS, SHOULD WE EXPECT THE SAME DRAMA?*
The last GT vs KKR game had everything in it. From classy knocks to masterful bowling and to cap all of this off, a heist from IPL’s newest star in Rinku Singh who smashed 5 sixes to lead KKR to a astounding victory away from home. This time around, they will seek more support from the crowd as they are returning to their home base with all weapons loaded; coming off an inspiring win against RCB. With momentum in their hands, who knows- they can very well pull off a double over the Titans.
*KKR PROBABLE XI:*
Jason Roy, N Jagadeesan(wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana(c), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, David Weise, Sunil Narine, Shardul Thakur, Umesh Yadav/Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarty
After a whole session of chopping and changing for the opening spot, KKR finally found some relief when Roy and Jagadeesan got going the last game vs RCB. Coupled with Iyer and Rana also clicking, KKR batting unit looks in good stead.
However they will concerned with the form of their veteran speedster in Umesh Yadav, who is not wrecking the powerplay overs as he used to. He has gone wicketless for 7 games in a row and has rarely bowled his entire quota of overs. One could say that it’s time up for the Indian star and there’s a possibility that Arora could replace him in the XI.
Shardul Thakur, KKR’s hero from their second win versus RCB bowled extensively in the nets heading into this game and there is a likely possibility that we may see him featuring today. If the pitch offers grip, his knuckle balls and variations would be key.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
Like always, Suyash Sharma would come in as the impact substitute for KKR. His impressive returns last game should boost his confidence heading into this all important fixture at the Eden. He is likely to replace Jason Roy.
*GT PROBABLE XI:*
Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha(wk), Vijay Shankar, Hardik Pandya(c), David Miller, Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohammad Shami, Noor Ahmed, Mohit Sharma
Eyes on Gill again as he is all set to battle it out against his former franchise at a ground which he knows very well. His exquisite stroke play with the gift of timing makes batting look easier than expected.
Rashid Khan, to be GT’s trump card. He possesses of a fabulous record vs Russell and having taken a hat trick last game against this same opposition, GT would be banking on him to deliver once again.
Hardik Pandya, should look to promote Shankar at 3 instead of promoting himself. He has been in extremely poor nick at 3 playing spin and pace alike and it’s better for GT to push him down the order.
*IMPACT PLAYER STRATEGY:*
Shivam Mavi, who has not featured this season at all, could be tried today. With the surface at Eden favouring bounce and pace, he could be a perfect fit-in.
*MY PREDICTIONS FOR THE GAME:*
*FOR KKR:*
Highest run getter- Nitish Rana/Jason Roy
Highest wicket taker- Varun Chakravarty/ Suyash Sharma
*FOR GT:*
Highest run getter- Shubman Gill/David Miller
Highest wicket taker- Rashid Khan/Mohammad Shami
*FOR THE GAME:*
Gujarat to win and top the table.