Kolkata: Gautam Gambhir-led Kolkata Knight Riders will surely have the psychological edge when they face a resurgent Sunrisers Hyderabad led by David Warner, here at the Eden Gardens on Monday. Warner has been in sublime for SRH and KKR will look to send him back early, and consider half the job done if they want to dominate the visitors on home turf. Here are key players that could make this mouthwatering encounter all the more exciting. Take a look.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Morne Morkel
South African all-rounder Morne Morkel has not featured in the playing XI for KKR in the last three matches and it will be interesting to see if skipper Gautam Gambhir fields Morkel, who has had success against danger man David Warner, both in the IPL and on the international stage as well. (Photo: BCCI)
Andre Russell
If the defending champions have had success in the cash-rich tournament then West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell deserves a lot of recognition. Russell can’t ask for a better form going into the tournament. With a credible performance both with the bat and ball, KKR have found a lethal weapon in their side, that when used timely can cause huge problems for the opposition. (Photo: BCCI)
Piyush Chawla
If his spin wizard has ‘Hogged’ the limelight then leg-break bowler Piyush Chawla also looks to be a key element in KKR’s battle on Monday. Chawla, who has been impressive throughout the tournament, has given great support to Brad Hogg and his performance will hold key to KKR. (Photo: BCCI)
Sunrisers Hyderabad
David Warner
It has always been the skipper leading from the front and against KKR too, David Warner’s lightening scoring rate will prove vital for SRH if they want to get off to a flier. If you take a look at Warner’s past performances (61, 58), it just goes to show what a terror he can be for the opposition bowlers. (Photo: BCCI)
Eoin Morgan
The one problem Tom Moody and SRH face is their middle order batting. After Warner’s fiery start, there’s no one who can keep up to the skipper’s pace of scoring but England batsman Eoin Morgan has shown signs of a dangerous hitter in the end and his recent knock against CSK must have brought a smile to the support staff. (Photo: BCCI)
Ashish Reddy
Off late, Hyderabad’s local boy Ashish Reddy’s performance has looked promising for SRH. During the side’s last encounter against CSK, Reddy put up a good show with the ball and he will look to carry on his form against KKR too. (Photo: BCCI)
