Two-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders take on Gujarat Lions in the lions den today. The two teams emerged table-toppers last year, hence it looks to be a contest between two well-balanced teams. But, KKR will hold the edge in todays contest and five players who could see KKR through today are:
Gautam Gautam: The captain of the side, the Delhiite Gautam Gambhir has been the most-consistent batsman in the KKR outfit. If he alsong with Robin Utthappa can get them off to a solid start then chances for KKR will brighten up.
Chris Lynn: This batting allrounder from Australia has had a phenomenal BBL season, which means he is in good form. If he gets going, he could change the complexion of the match in overs.
Shakib-al-Hasan: This Bangladeshi allrounder is that good that he can walk into any T20 side in the world. He is invaluable to the KKR side. He contributes with the ball and chips in with the bat, a true asset to have.
Sunil Narine: The West Indian mystery bowler does not need an introduction, for him the pitch becomes inconsequential. He has a bagful of variations which are still found to be unpickable. But how consciously Gautam Gambhir utislises him will be the key.
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Visit: https://t.co/gtg8V4NdFg #AmiKKR pic.twitter.com/tllfmdU8wK— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 7, 2017
Chris Woakes: The new-English knight came into the team after Andre Russell got banned, the West Indian’s loss will surely be felt but Woakes is equally better. He will contribute with the bat and the ball.
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— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 7, 2017
Gujarat Lions: Brendon McCullum, Dwayne Smith, Aaron Finch, Suresh Raina (captain), Dinesh Karthik (wicketkeeper), Ishan Kishan, James Faulkner, Praveen Kumar, Shadab Jakati, Dhawal Kulkarni, Shivil Kaushik
Kolkata Knight Riders: Gautam Gambhir (captain), Robin Uthappa (wicketkeeper), Manish Pandey, Yusuf Pathan, Suryakumar Yadav, Rovman Powell, Chris Lynn, Chris Woakes, Kuldeep Yadav, Trent Boult, Piyush Chawla