Kolkata Knight Riders, one of the teams fancied to go the distance in this year’s Indian Premier League, are on doldrums after two successive defeats and they would be desperately looking for a win when they take on Royal Challengers Bangalore in the 10th match of the tournament.

On the other hand, Bangalore, who would be hosting the match, already have a win and would go into the field with a much better mind set.

It would be a cracker of a match considering the big names both these teams boasts of and it is difficult to pick an outright winner. Knight Riders would come back hard and while RCB will leave no stone unturned to take a couple of points with them on their home ground. 

Ideally it is nobody’s match. But going by the current scenario Bangalore have looked a better side and they have players who could turn the heat on. Meanwhile Knight Riders too have enough arsenals to win the battle.

Here are some of the players from both the teams who have it in them to change the course of the match and should be looked forward in today’s match.

Royal Challengers Bangalore:

Chris Gayle: He definitely tops the chart among players who could make huge influence to the side. Gayle, should he play today as he missed the first match, would have a task at hand and if he fires then there would hardly be anything that could stop him. Last year’s Orange Cap holder, Gayle is known for his six hitting prowess and Gambhir would have to come up with some serious strategy to curb the Gayle-menace.

Virat Kohli: He is the man of the moment. He is having the time of his life and seldom does anyone go through a purple patch like him. After dominating bowlers in international cricket, it was highly anticipated that he would surely repeat his blitzkrieg in the Bangalore’s opening match against Delhi Daredevils but he failed. But then Virat definitely would look on to step on the pedal in today’s match and if it happens Kolkata would be running for covers.

AB de Villiers: Man of the match in previous match, he is the man to watch out for. He has been of the consistent campaigner for Bangalore and match saving 62 of 42 balls would add a lot of confidence to him and his team would also be looking forward to this man.

Muttiah Muralitharan: Well no one expected Murali to be a winning factor in their last match. No doubt he does not require to prove anything and his achievement can hardly be matched, but after not so good season at Kochi Tuskers last year, his performance in his first match for RCB came as a surprise. But then he turned the tides and his sharp turn and clever bowling antics in the last match did make one thing clear that he is not someone who could not be written off so soon. So he would be eagerly looked forward in this match.

Daniel Vettori: The RCB captain provides calming influence to his team. He is the best left-arm spinner in the world and has the ability to bowl well at critical stage. Vettori has one of the best economy-rate in T20 cricket and his experience can do wonders for his team. He has a classical bowling action and depends on his flight and guile to deceive batsmen. It’s a treat watching him bowl and the Bangalore will have to be very careful against him.

Zaheer Khan: He is a world class bowler and had been leading India’s bowling attack for years now. He was one of the instrumental forces in RCB’s victory in the last match and he took the prized scalp of Virender Sehwag in the first over of the match which was a huge turning point. So they would be looking forward to Zaheer to give them early breakthrough and if he gets it right, he can very well run havoc.

Kolkata Knight Riders:

Gautam Gambhir: The skipper is finding it difficult to strengthen his feet in the IPL-5 but that does not mean he would not do so for rest of the tournament. He has proved that why is he dreaded around the globe and it requires one innings for him to change things around. And Kolkata would want the day to be today and if he does get going in today’s match Bangalore would have to resort to prayers.

Jacques Kallis: One of the veterans of world cricket, he has been a pioneer in making everyone believe that T20’s are not only for the youngsters and anyone who have the zeal can play this format. After having great previous seasons in the IPL, he is not quite off the hook. Everyone in Kolkata’s camp would want him to perform as a lot revolves around him.

Brett Lee: He has had quite a fair series till now but still the world’s fastest bowler is a man to watch out for. And along with his bowling, he also showed how useful he can be with the bat after he almost took his team to the victory with his lusty hitting.

Manoj Tiwary: Manoj after failing in the 1st match, he was the only positive thing that happened to Kolkata in the last match against Rajasthan Royals. After having a great domestic season, he came in with a lot of expectations, but was out duck in the first match. But then he turned the heat on in the next match and his team definitely would want him to perform well this match as well.

By Samikshan Dutta Choudhury
Indian Sports News