IPL 2022 : Fresh from a loss against RCB, Iyer's KKR aims for a turnaround against Punjab Kings on Friday
Xtra Time Web Desk : Fresh from suffering a narrow defeat on the hands of Royal Challengers Bangalore, Shreyas Iyer's Kolkata Knight Riders would aim to make their way back to winning ways, when they clash against the Punjab Kings in a fierce encounter on Friday at the Wankhede Stadium.
Batting at the Wankhede, where the track is relatively fresh, has not been easy as seen in the two games played at the venue so far.
It may be early days in the two-month long IPL but the toss is already playing a significant role in the game's outcome with dew coming into picture in the second half of the game.
Kolkata's openers, Ajinkya Rahane and the attacking Venkatesh Iyer perished cheaply against RCB and the duo would be looking to provide a strong start to the team.
While skipper Shreyas Iyer, who has been in good form despite the failure against RCB, would be an important cog in the wheel, but would need support from the likes of Nitish Rana.
For left-handed Rana, consistency would be the key. Apart from the duo, the responsibility in the middle order needs to be shouldered by Sam Billings, Sheldon Jackson and the big-hitting Andre Russell.
The KKR line-up has batters who can tear into any attack and the management would hope that they all fire in unison against Punjab.
On the bowling front, pacer Umesh Yadav was splendid in both the games with the new ball. Experienced Kiwi bowler Tim Southee, who replaced Shivam Mavi and picked up three wickets, too has a key role to play upfront.
The concern for Kolkata would be the form of spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, who needs to hit the straps quickly.
Predicted KKR XI : Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (C), Nitish Rana, Sam Billings (WK), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shivam Mavi, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
