XtraTime Web Desk: Two-time Indian Premier League champions Kolkata Knight Riders will face defending champions Mumbai Indians in their season opener at the Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Ahead of that Karthik & co. gets a special message from West Bengal Chief Minister Smt. Mamata Banerjee as she wished the Kolkata franchise ahead of their game.””‘Korbo, Lorbo, Jeetbo’ has already been India’s spirit in 2020, fighting crises without breaking a sweat. Another set of champions hit the field today, trying to bring joy to every home. My best wishes to @KKRiders & dearest @iamsrk as they begin their IPL campaign.#KKRHaiTaiyaar,” Mamata Banerjee tweeted.
Though KKR had players like Andre Russell & Sunil Narine, they failed to qualify for the play-offs last season. In this season they have spent a lot of money to strengthen their bowling department by roping in Australia’s Pat Cummings for Rs 15.5 crore
For Mumbai Indians, a defeat in the tournament opener against Chennai Super Kings must have hampered their confidence going in to the game against a balanced KKR side.
The Rohit Sharma-led side has a poor record in the United Arab Emirates, losing six matches in as many games.
The defending champions will be hoping to turn around their fortunes quickly and get back to winning ways.