Kolkata: Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will be keen to avenge their defeat, here on Thursday at the Eden Gardens, when they take on Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings, who snatched a victory from Gautam Gambhir and the KKR boys less than 48 hours back.
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Both teams will miss the services of spin wizards Ravichandran Ashwin (out due to injury) and West Indies Sunil Narine (bowling action). However, there are other players in the side, who on the day can be certain game changers. Let’s take a look.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Brad Hogg
At 44 years, Brad Hogg is the oldest cricketer in this edition of the IPL. The left-arm chinaman bowler kept CSK batsmen on tender hooks at the Chepauk with his many variations and has been a treat to watch. Although taking a solitary wicket, that of Ravindra Jadeja in the previous game, Hogg looks to be a good replacement for Narine, now that his inclusion in the side remains unknown. (Photo: BCCI)
Robin Uthappa
Robin Uthappa has not been in the greatest form of late with only the odd burst of runs coming in the last two games against CSK (39) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (34). If KKR look to dominate their opposition at the Eden Gardens, Uthappa will have to give strong support to his skipper Gambhir if they want to get off to a great start. (Photo: BCCI)
Morne Morkel
South African all-rounder Morne Morkel has been the go-to man for Gambhir and has been delivering for his side with the timely breakthrough all through this season. KKR will again look at him to strike early, with the pace and bounce he provides, Morne can be a terror for batsmen. (Photo: PTI)
Chennai Super Kings
Ashish Nehra
36-year-old Ashish Nehra has let his bowling do the talking to shut his critics. Current holder of the Purple Cap, Nehra cannot ask for a better form, as he has not disappointed skipper Dhoni whenever the white ball was thrown at him. His performance will be key to CSK today. (Photo: BCCI)
Suresh Raina
If you compare his past performances in the IPL, Suresh Raina has set such a standard for himself that in this season, he’s not up to the mark. With just one half-century, Raina needs to get back to his attacking best and keep the tag of being the ‘best IPL batsman’ so far. (Photo: BCCI)
Brendon McCullum
If CSK have to get off to a flier, Brendon McCullum’s burst at the start is vital for the side. The Kiwi alongwith West Indies batsman Dwayne Smith have been providing CSK with good starts and when on a roll, there is no stopping McCullum as he has proved to bully even the likes of Australian speedster Michell Johnson. On the filed too, he’s quite an asset. (Photo: PTI)
