Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lost Gautam Gambhir to Delhi Capitals (then Delhi Daredevils) when they did not retain him. This opened the doors for Dinesh Karthik, who was then appointed as the captain of KKR in Indian Premier League 2018. Having started the season well, KKR managed to qualify in the top four. However, they were knocked down by Sunrisers Hyderabad in Qualifiers 2. This IPL 2019, with a strong team on paper, they have a great chance to win.
The trump card for KKR has been the decision to promote Sunil Narine to open the batting. His fearless batting helps team to accelerate. Even if he does not contribute, KKR does not lose a batsman. Chris Lynn, who is known for his power-hitting will make a good opening pair for KKR along with Narine. The middle order for the team is also in good hands with the likes of Robin Uthappa, Dinesh Karthik, Nitish Rana and the youngster Shubman Gill. Gill impressed everyone in the U-19 World Cup last year and also showed his potential against the best in the world in IPL 2018. He scored 203 runs in the 13 matches he played at an impressive average of 33.83. This year there are chances that KKR will use him from the start.
Carlos Brathwaite and Andre Russell are two potential all-rounders with the team. Kamlesh Nagarkoti who missed the last season due to injury has been out this time for the same. Shivam Mavi too is out due to injury. Sandeep Warrier and KC Cariappa have been called in as their replacement. It is clear that the team lacks experience in the bowling department. There is only Piyush Chawla, who has been a part of IPL since the very start. Other than Kuldeep Yadav, players like Prasidh Krishna, Lockie Ferguson, Joe Denly and Harry Gurney are new to international and IPL cricket.
Dinesh Karthik will have to prove himself as a potential batsman and wicket-keeper this season to impress the selectors for World Cup 2019. He was left out in the Australia ODI series making place for Rishabh Pant. However, Pant's failure to perform might make way for Karthik back in the squad.
Probable XI
Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Shubman Gill, Dinesh Karthik (C) (wk), Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Piyush Chawla, KC Cariappa, Lockie Ferguson, Kuldeep Yadav.
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