Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders are set to cross swords for the second time in VIVO IPL 2018. Both the contenders have faced heartbreaking loss in their previous game. But KKR are more desperate for a win as they are on the verge of getting thrown away from the playoff contention. On the other hand, KXIP will better their batting to get closer to the playoffs. Find the predicted playing XI of KXIP vs KKR below.
Head-to- Head:
Overall: Matches – 22
Kolkata Knight Riders – 14
Kings XI Punjab – 8
Punters Heavy On: KXIP
Venue:
Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders will face-off at Holkar Stadium, Indore.
| Total matches | 7 |
| Matches won bowling first | 7 |
| Average 1st Inns scores | 158 |
| Average 2nd Inns scores | 160 |
| Highest total recorded | 199/2 (15.3 Ov) by MI vs KXIP |
| Lowest total recorded | 97/10 (18.3 Ov) by RR vs KTK |
| Highest score chased | 199/2 (15.3 Ov) by MI vs KXIP |
(The above stats only include the IPL matches played at the Holkar Stadium)
Holkar Stadium has been batting friendly with little help for pacers. Since it is a small ground, short boundaries and long sixes will make it a high scoring game.
How do the teams stack up?
Kings XI Punjab
The batting lineup of Kings XI Punjab has been shoddy than ever in the last few games. Chris Gayle should redress his frailties and set the pace with KL Rahul at the other end. Promoting himself to No.3 did not work well for Ravichandran Ashwin in the last match. Akshdeep Nath failed to perform; hence, Manzoor Das could find his place in the playing XI. Karun Nair and Manoj Tiwary must buckle down and strengthen the middle order. KXIP’s bowling is commendable, particularly at the death overs. Mujeeb ur Rahman and Andrew Tye where phenomenal with the ball against Rajasthan.
Kolkata Knight Riders
The Knight Riders have come back strongly with consecutive victories. The KKR squad is very well balanced with hard-hitting batsmen, proficient bowlers and expert all-rounders. Nitish Rana has been doing exceptionally well with the bat and ball. Tom Curran’s performance is creditable enough to stay in the playing XI. Shubham Gill is expected to bat at no.4 for a long time now; it will be interesting to see if he will be promoted in this match. No changes will be seen in KKR’s squad.
Predicted KXIP vs KKR Playing 11
KXIP : KL Rahul (wk), Chris Gayle, Karun Nair, Manzoor Dar, Manoj Tiwary, Marcus Stoinis, Axar Patel, R Ashwin (c), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Andrew Tye, Mohit Sharma
Players to watch out for: KL Rahul, Mujeeb ur Rahman
KKR : Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik (C & WK), Andre Russell, Shivam Mavi, Tom Curran, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav
Players to watch out for: Nitish Rana, Piyush Chawla
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