Kolkata Knight Riders will be high in confidence after winning their inaugural match, while Mumbai Indians will be looking to bounce back from their defeat in their opener when the two meet for the IPL-9 match at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Wednesday. Let’s take a look at the players who can turn the table for their teams.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Robin Uthappa: Another former orange cap holder Robin Uthappa was one of the reasons for KKR winning the 2014 IPL. He scored 660 runs in that season which helped him make a place for himself in the Indian team. He would like to regain that place again and will be a player to watch out for this season.
Gautam Gambhir: He is the unsung hero of two World Cup finals, having scored half centuries in the 2007 World T20 final and also the 2011 World Cup final atthe Wankhede stadium. Kolkata have won twice under his leadership and is a very important player for SRK’s team.
Yusuf Pathan: The elder of the Pathan brothers, Yusuf has been a significant part of KKR’s middle order. Yusuf on his day has the ability to take any bowling attack to the cleaners and will fancy his chances this year too.
Mumbai Indians
Jos Butler: Mumbai Indians bought Butler for a whopping 3.8cr. After his heroics with the bat in hand for England in the recently concluded World T20, he would add value to the top order of the defending champions.
Rohit Sharma: The moment he took over the captaincy from Ricky Ponting couple of seasons ago, Sharma has grown as a player and changed the fortunes for his side. Under his captaincy, MI have won the IPL twice. Although the 28-year-old has been short of runs recently, but it is only a matter of time before the right-hander finds his touch in the tournament.
Lendl Simmons: Simmons quietly fits in to the role of an opener in the star-studded Mumbai line-up, and given his form with the bat in the last two seasons, the West Indian would be eyeing to make every opportunity count in the IPL.
