Sunrisers Hyderabad have come back really well in the tournament which means that they are still alive in the tournament and if they beat Kolkata Knight Riders convincingly, it will not only improve their net run-rate but also would do a world of good to their chances of qualifying to the next stage provided Rajasthan Royals are not able to win any of their remaining matches which is more unlikely to happen going by the way the Royals have played so far in the league. Kolkata on the other hand have already qualified to the next stage and would be looking to put their foot down and carry on the winning momentum.
Here is a look at the players to watch out between Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad:
Sunrisers Hyderabad
David Warner: Warner has been consistent all throughout the tournament for Hyderabad and is a player in good form. It will do a world of good to Hyderabad’s chances if Warner gets into his elements which might be mean curtains for KKR.
Naman Ojha: Ojha is one more player who would look to make the most of his good form this season. The way he has been hitting the ball, no ground seems to be long enough and if the ball finds the sweet spot of the bat more often than not then Ojha might be in business of putting his team in the driver’s seat once again.
Dale Steyn: Steyn has been taken to the cleaners by a couple of players in this tournament but that does not mean that he is no longer a good bowler. He is champion bowler and only needs to pick up a couple of wickets which will bring his confidence back and that itself is good enough to make life difficult for the KKR players.
Karan Sharma: The young leg-spinner has stopped the flow of runs in almost all the matches and has come in and bowled in difficult situation when the going was really tough for his team. He has done a job for his captain and also has the wickets to show for which will keep him in good stead before the match against KKR.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Gautam Gambhir: After Gambhir’s terrible start to the tournament he seems to have hit a purple patch with the bat and now has become the only player to have scored the most number of 50’s in the tournament since its inception. Gambhir’s form will be crucial for his team if KKR has to entertain any chances of coming on top against Sunrisers Hyderbad.
Robin Uthappa: Uthappa is going great guns for his team and does the job of getting his team to a flier which gives enough time for the middle order to settle down and chase down a target or set up a good total on the board. Uthappa’s strike rate is right up there with the best in this tournament and he has been one of the factors behind KKR’s amazing turnaround.
Sunil Narine: Narine has been one of the most economical bowlers in the tournament, not to mention the number of wickets he has taken for KKR this year. Narine with the ball in hand would be the key if KKR hopes to win the match.
Morne Morkel: Morkel seems to have got his rhythm back and is looking good to strike early against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Morkel can rattle any side with his pace and KKR would be hoping that it happens in this match.
photo:iplt20.com
By Sajal Kumar Patra
Indian Sports News Network
