KKR’s Struggles Continue as LSG Aims for Playoff Repeat
Lucknow Super Giants, adorned in Mohun Bagan’s iconic green and maroon jersey, are set to feel at home as they aim to secure a playoff spot by defeating a struggling Kolkata Knight Riders in the final IPL match. KKR has faced multiple challenges throughout the season, struggling to find a winning combination and enduring seven defeats, including four at the Eden Gardens.
Their batting has been a work in progress, while their pace bowling department lacks experience. Fielding has been a disappointment, and KKR has shown they are out of their league. Batting first, they have failed to adapt to the surface, posting below-par totals against Gujarat Titans and Rajasthan Royals.
In contrast, Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad scored significantly higher when put into bat by KKR at the same venue. Despite individual brilliance from Rinku Singh and Varun Chakravarthy, KKR’s campaign has been inconsistent.
With multiple teams potentially finishing on 14 points, KKR, with 12 points, not only needs a big-margin victory but also relies on other teams to win their respective matches to keep their playoff hopes alive.
On the other hand, Lucknow Super Giants can secure their playoff berth with a victory, without worrying about complex mathematical scenarios. They have the momentum and appear stronger than KKR, who have struggled at their home ground.
Krunal Pandya, elevated to captaincy due to KL Rahul’s injury, has showcased excellent leadership skills, evident from his tactical bowling changes that led to a narrow five-run win against Mumbai Indians. Marcus Stoinis has been a crisis man for LSG, rescuing their innings with an unbeaten 89 runs.
Bowlers Mohsin Khan and Ravi Bishnoi will relish the slow conditions at Eden Gardens. LSG will also benefit from the support of football giants Mohun Bagan, as both teams share the same owner, RP Sanjiv Goenka Group. Gautam Gambhir, KKR’s former captain during their victorious campaigns in 2012 and 2014, will provide valuable inputs as the mentor of LSG.
For KKR, it is a time for introspection and a return to the drawing board after a disappointing season.
Squads:
Kolkata Knight Riders: Nitish Rana (c), Jason Roy, Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shardul Thakur, Lockie Ferguson, Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy, Anukul Roy, Rinku Singh, N. Jagadeesan, Vaibhav Arora, Suyash Sharma, David Wiese, Kulwant Khejroliya, Litton Das, Mandeep Singh, Aarya Desai.
Lucknow Super Giants: Krunal Pandya (c), Ayush Badoni, Karan Sharma, Manan Vohra, Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Krishnappa Gowtham, Deepak Hooda, Kyle Mayers, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, Mark Wood, Mayank Yadav, Ravi Bishnoi, Nicholas Pooran, Yash Thakur, Romario Shepherd, Daniel Sams, Amit Mishra, Prerak Mankad, Swapnil Singh, Naveen-ul-Haq, Yudhvir Charak, Karun Nair.
