IPL 2021 | Kolkata looks return to winning ways against Bangalore

Chasing just 153 and 72 without loss at one stage, KKR inexplicably dug a hole with its big-strikers hitting only thin air at the death

April 17, 2021 02:59 pm | Updated 10:54 pm IST - Chennai

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Eoin Morgan and Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli.

Kolkata Knight Riders captain Eoin Morgan and Royal Challengers Bangalore skipper Virat Kohli.

There will be some captivating game-changers in the day-game between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Sunday.

Yet, while RCB has discovered the tenacity to edge out wins in close encounters to top the table, KKR, the other night in Chennai, suffered a brain fade against Mumbai Indians.

Chasing just 153 and 72 without loss at one stage, KKR inexplicably dug a hole with its big-strikers hitting only thin air at the death.

When the asking rate was a stroll, KKR’s trump card, powerhouse Andre Russell, could manage just nine of 15 balls.

That game was a nightmare for KKR after a rewarding first half with Russell employing his strong shoulders to generate lift and scalp five.

The dynamics of a day game — the match starts at 3.30 p.m. — are different and there could be some moisture early on and then some dew during the critical evening phase.

The contest will witness home boy Varun Chakravarthy matching his skills against three magnificent strikers of the ball — Virat Kohli, A.B. de Villiers and Glenn Maxwell.

The strategy RCB batsmen adopt against mystery-spinner Varun could hold the key.

Would we see a calculated onslaught? Maxwell, this season, has been batting with maturity and power.

KKR too has match-winners in Chennai’s Dinesh Karthik and skipper Eoin Morgan. Then the fiery Pat Cummins will be a threat.

And you never know when the sleeping giant with the willow, Russell, will wake up.

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.