KKR are struggling with 4 points from 7 games and now they need to win 6 games out of 7 to have a slot in play-offs. It is definitely a position, where any franchise would have pressed the panic button, but such is not the case for KKR so far.
Although last IPL, around the same time, the management changed the captain from Dinesh Karthik to Eoin Morgan. And now Morgan is in a much tougher spot than what Karthik was.
On the other hand, RCB have issues of their own. After getting off to a flying start, RCB have lost 2 of the last 3 games, with these match barely even being a contest. One match which they won was by a mere 1 run.
What’s wrong with RCB?
RCB miss a solid lower middle order, because of which Glenn Maxwell bats 4 and Ab de Villiers at 5. But there is absolutely no one like Adrew Russell or a Keiron Pollard or a Hardik Pandya. A free-flowing, strong natural striker allows the top order to take the game deep, without the fear of the required run-rate increasing.
Kohli needs to bat till the 14th over, this will allow everyone else around to play attacking cricket. The number 3 is another big concern, and wonder why Mohammed Azharuddeen is not given an opportunity?
The bowling has been another big issue. With Yuzi Chahal being in poor form and leaking a lot of easy runs, the middle overs are a big concern. Shahbaz Ahmed has bowled brilliantly so far, but Kohli has not shown sufficient confidence in him. There is a possibility that Scott Kuggelijin might be brought in for Kyle Jamieson.
What’s wrong KKR?
Everything is wrong with KKR currently and the main issue has been the form of Eoin Morgan. They have a long batting order, where a majority of players are not clicking. Yet, Shubman Gill, Morgan and Narine have not contributed at all. Russell, Karthik and cummins are not getting sufficient number of balls to make a good impact.
If there is a restructured batting order for KKR, where Sheldon Jackson is brought in for Shubman Gill, and the performing players are brought in slightly higher then a big difference would be seen in the performance.
KKR have nothing wrong with their bowling. Although, their fielding has been way below par and possibly it’s because of the batsman not being in form and thinking too much.
What to expect?
KKR might look to choke RCB and try to start a comeback. KKR are a star-studded team and it’s only a matter of a spark that KKR needs. A moment of inspiration needs to come from Karthik, Russell or Rana. RCB need a moment of brilliance from Kohli, ABD or Maxi.
Surgery may keep Rahul
out of IPL
KL Rahul is almost supposed to be out of the remaining IPL with acute appendicitis. He has earlier taken to the hospital and now be treated surgically. On recovery from his surgical process, he will have to serve a quarantine period as well. A lot of KL Rahul fans and cricket lovers sent - “Get Well Soon Greetings to KL!”.
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