Kolkata: As the two-time champions Kolkata Knight Riders get all ready to take on Delhi Daredevils in their first match of Indian Premier League (IPL) Season 9, let’s take a look on the players who could make a difference for their teams at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Sunday.
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.
GautamGambhir: 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.
Delhi Daredevils
Shreyas Iyer: He scored 439 runs in 14 matches, with a 33.76 average and a strike rate of 128.36, making him one of the most consistent players of IPL 8.The daredevils will again look up to him to give them a quick start and the young right-hander has done more than enough to become a key figure in the Daredevils line-up.
Quinton De Kock: This South African opener is now an experienced batsman in all 3 forms of the game having even scored a century on his Test debut for South Africa.Kock was in his elements in the WT20 and would be looking to carry that same form in the upcoming tournament.
JP Duminy: He was their captain last year and was one of the few shinning lights of a season they would like forget. The burden of captaincy is no longer there with Duminy this season and that might just work in his favour.
