WHAT’S AT STAKE:
Delhi Capitals can seal a playoff berth and consolidate their position in the top two with a victory.
KKR have the best net run rate (NRR) among the teams in the mid-table logjam. Their playoff chances will get a massive boost with a victory against an in-form Delhi Capitals (DC).
DC have been a dominant force this season. Rishabh Pant’s men have been the side to beat alongside MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings (CSK). With eight wins in 10 games, they are placed second on the table due to an inferior run-rate.
KKR though need to return to winning ways against the Capitals. They were seventh on the table before the UAE leg kicked off but two wins in two games propelled them into a playoff position. However, their narrow loss against the Super Kings in the previous match makes this a momentous clash for the two-time champions.
Overcoming the challenge of the Capitals won’t be an easy task for Eoin Morgan’s side. DC are currently on a roll, winning both their games post the IPL resumption comprehensively. With Andre Russell’s participation in doubt, the Knight Riders will have their task cut out if their talisman is not fit for the game.
KKR missed the services of Russell in the death overs against the Super Kings. Russell, who had flung himself off the field after an athletic save at the boundary, had to be substituted due to a hamstring issue. The all-rounder was due to bowl the 19th over but in his absence, KKR had to settle for Prasidh Krishna who was severely punished by Ravindra Jadeja. Krishna ended up leaking 22 runs and that cost KKR the game and two valuable points.
While Russell’s unavailability will leave a big void, either Ben Cutting or Shakib Al Hasan may feature in his absence.
For KKR, their batsmen haven’t fired in unison yet but individuals like Venkatesh Iyer and Rahul Tripathi have been mighty impressive. The big task ahead of them will be overcoming the challenge posed by Delhi’s bowlers. The bowling attack comprising of express fast bowlers Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada in tandem with pacer Avesh Khan and finger spinners Ravichandran Ashwin and Axar Patel has been ruthless so far. They have shot out oppositions for less than 140 in their last two games, a feat they’ll look to replicate against the Knight Riders as well.
While the Capitals will look to keep their winning run intact, their top-two finish is under no immediate threat. For KKR, the stakes are much higher. A loss will be a body blow to their playoff hopes and they desperately need a win to keep themselves in the hunt.
