KKR vs GT Predicted Playing XI: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have had enough time to think and move on form the humiliating defeat at the hands of Punjab Kings (PBKS). Ajinkya Rahane-led side have had a mixed bag of a season and they are in search for consistency against table-toppers Gujarat Titans (GT) at home.
One big change KKR can make in their lineup is at the top of the order. Quinton de Kock has not done enough since his unbeaten 97 against Rajasthan Royals (RR). In the last five games, he has scored 40 runs including three single-digit scores. While Afghanistan wicketkeeper-batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz may not look as menacing as De Kock, he can play the anchor role and also attack in the powerplay overs if Sunil Narine departs early.
KKR can also promote Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer or a young Angkrish Raghuvanshi to the opening role and include Luvnith Sisodia as their wicketkeeper-batter. In the bowling department, KKR are unlikely to make any changes.
KKR Predicted Playing XI plus impact player:
Sunil Narine, Rahmanullah Gurbaz/Luvnith Sisodia (wk), Ajinkya Rahane(c), Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Anrich Nortje, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy.
Shubman Gill-led GT are high on confidence having beaten Delhi Capitals (DC) in a record-breaking run chase at home. While Gill may not tinker with the winning combination, given the amount of left-handed batters in KKR, there can be a toss-up between Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore and Washington Sundar. Ishant Sharma did well in the previous game conceding 19 runs from three overs and picking up a wicket. Ishant is likely to continue being part of the side considering the experience he has bowling at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
GT Predicted Playing XI plus impact player:
Shubman Gill(c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler(wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Arshad Khan, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore/Washington Sundar, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna, Ishant Sharma.
KKR vs GT Weather and Pitch Report:
Once again, the Eden Gardens pitch is likely to be a batting paradise. The dimensions are in favour of the big-hitters as well. While KKR have not been satisfied with the pitch, there can be something for the spinners. Rain is unlikely to play spoilsport during the match.
KKR vs GT Full Squads:
KKR squad: Quinton de Kock(w), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane(c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Anrich Nortje, Varun Chakaravarthy, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Luvnith Sisodia, Chetan Sakariya, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Spencer Johnson, Mayank Markande, Anukul Roy, Rovman Powell, Moeen Ali, Manish Pandey
GT squad: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Ishant Sharma, Sherfane Rutherford, Jayant Yadav, Dasun Shanaka, Washington Sundar, Mahipal Lomror, Karim Janat, Kulwant Khejroliya, Anuj Rawat, Gerald Coetzee, Manav Suthar, Kumar Kushagra, Gurnoor Brar, Nishant Sindhu