KOLKATA, Apr 13: Back home after two successive away defeats, Kolkata Knight Riders will be hoping to revive their fortunes when they take on a consistent yet sloppy Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Pepsi IPL 6 match here tomorrow.
The defending champions began their campaign on a winning note against Delhi Daredevils but failed to sustain the momentum against Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
In their last match against the Bangalore outfit, they were handed a royal thrashing with Chris Gayle scoring a devastating 50-ball 85 not out.
Gambhir’s men will be keen to put behind that nightmare and get back to winning ways. The playing XI may see some changes.
Well aware of Sunrisers’ batting frailty, the Knight Riders would expect their pace spearhead, Brett Lee to come back into contention, replacing the lacklustre Ryan McLaren.
‘Mystery spinner’ Sunil Narine will once again be the key man at the slow Eden track as the Windies off spinner would look to bamboozle the weak Sunrisers batting with his guile.
As far as the hosts’ batting is concerned, they also look to bring in the explosive Kiwi opener Brendon McCullum, who has recovered from a hamstring injury.
It is McCullum’s inclusion that is certain to give the think tank a sleepless night as with the four-foreigner rule it would shift the balance of the side.
It remains to be seen how Gambhir fits in McCullum in place of an in-form Eoin Morgan and senior most pro Jacques Kallis, who doubles up as the third medium pacer.
On the other hand, the Sunrisers may not boast of a star-studded line up but in world’s fastest bowler Dale Styen, who is partnered by Ishant Sharma, and Amit Mishra chipping in with his crafty leg spin, have a disciplined bowling attack.
Steyn has been in ominous form and has an economy of 4.73 in the shortest format, while Mishra (5.68) too has done well and is expected to exploit the Eden conditions. (PTI)
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