KKR Vs LSG: Match Preview
KKR and LSG gear up for a crucial clash in Kolkata
Both Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) suffered losses in their previous matches and will be eyeing a comeback victory. The match will be played on Sunday, April 14th, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, kicking off the IPL 2024 double-header.
KKR’s batting struggles in Chennai
KKR were dealt their first defeat by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) while batting first. They only managed 137 runs in their 20 overs, with Shreyas Iyer being the top scorer with 34 runs. CSK chased down the target comfortably, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad’s unbeaten 67.
LSG falter at home against Delhi Capitals
LSG were stunned by Delhi Capitals (DC) on their home ground. Batting first, they could only manage 167 runs despite a late fightback from Ayush Badoni (55*). DC secured a comfortable win with Jack Fraser McGurk’s impressive debut knock of 55 runs.
KKR Vs LSG: Weather/Pitch Report
In the afternoon, the temperature will be around 37 degrees in Kolkata while the real feel will be 41 degrees. The humidity will be around 37%
The Eden Gardens wicket has been a good hunting ground for both batsmen and bowlers in the IPL so far. While spinners might find some assistance from the surface, the trend suggests batting first and putting up a strong total will be the preferred strategy for the team winning the toss.
KKR Vs LSG: Predicted Playing XI
Kolkata Knight Riders
PD Salt (wk), SP Narine, S Iyer (C), RK Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, AS Roy, Ramandeep Singh, VR Iyer, AD Russell, Vaibhav Arora, Mitchell Starc
Lucknow Super Giants
KL Rahul (C), Q de Kock, Devdutt Padikkal, MP Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran, A Badoni, KH Pandya, Ravi Bishnoi, YS Thakur, Naveen-ul-Haq, Arshad Khan
KKR Vs LSG: Fantasy Captain Choices
KKR Camp:
- Sunil Narine: The KKR all-rounder is in good form, scoring 161 runs and taking 4 wickets. He’s a strong captaincy contender with potential for both batting and bowling points.
- Andre Russell: A consistent performer, Russell has 115 runs and 5 wickets this season. He offers a high ceiling but might be a slightly riskier captain’s pick compared to Narine.
LSG Camp:
- Nicholas Pooran: Leading the LSG batting charts with 178 runs in 5 innings, Pooran is a strong captaincy option, especially if you believe LSG will bat big.
Choosing Your Captain:
Consider these factors when making your decision:
- Recent Form: Who has been performing better lately, Narine or Russell?
- Team Batting Order: Is Pooran likely to face a lot of deliveries?
- Overall Balance: Do you need more batting or bowling points from your captain?
KKR Vs LSG: Top Player Choices
- Vaibhav Arora: This young pacer has impressed with his economical bowling (6.88) and already has 5 wickets to his name. He’s a solid option for your fantasy team.
- Varun Chakravarthy: After a slow start, Chakravarthy seems to be finding his rhythm, picking up 4 wickets in the last two matches. He can be a good differential pick if you think he’ll continue this form.
- Yash Thakur: He’s been on fire for LSG, taking 7 wickets so far, and is definitely a strong pick for your fantasy bowling attack.
KKR Vs LSG: Dark Horse Picks
- KL Rahul (LSG, BAT): Despite being a star player, Rahul’s current price tag makes him a valuable budget pick. With 165 runs in five innings, he offers a good balance of affordability and potential points.
- Naveen-ul-Haq (LSG, BOWL): Similar to Rahul, Naveen-ul-Haq boasts a budget-friendly price while having picked up 6 wickets so far. He can be a cost-effective addition to your bowling attack.
- Philip Salt (KKR, WK): An aggressive top-order batsman with a half-century to his name, Salt provides good value for his price tag, especially if you think he can replicate his performance.
Dream11, Team 1, Small League & H2H
KKR Vs LSG
Wicket-keepers: Quinton de Kock, Nicholas Pooran, KL Rahul, Phil Salt
Batter: Shreyas Iyer
All-rounders: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Marcus Stoinis
Bowlers: Varun Chakravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Vaibhav Arora
Captain First-Choice: Sunil Narine || Captain Second-Choice: Quinton de Kock
Vice-captain First-Choice: KL Rahul || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Shreyas Iyer
Dream11, Team 2, Grand League
KKR Vs LSG
Wicket-keepers: Quinton de Kock, Nicholas Pooran, KL Rahul, Phil Salt
Batters: Shreyas Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi
All-rounders: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Marcus Stoinis
Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Naveen ul Haq
Captain First-Choice: Nicholas Pooran || Captain Second-Choice: Phil Salt
Vice-captain First-Choice: Andre Russell || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Marcus Stoinis
Who Could Win?
KKR has a strong chance of winning on their home turf. Their spin attack is well-suited to the conditions, and LSG’s bowling has shown some weaknesses recently. This could tip the scales in KKR’s favor.