KOLKATA: Not even scoring the first point in this IPL could bring a smile to the faces of those in the Kolkata Knight Riders camp.Despite a point from a washout against Punjab Kings, Monday’s 3.4 overs game highlighted some additional concerns. Struggling to put their house in order, KKR opted to take some bold calls by dropping Varun Chakraborty and Sunil Narine. However, the result of that decision was inconclusive, though he is likely to return to action against Lucknow Supergiants at the Eden Gardens on Thursday.Go beyond limits with our YouTube channel. Subscribe now!However, another spell of rain is predicted on the day of the match. A washout is unlikely to help the parties, both trying to advance their campaigns.After losing their first game, LSG recorded a victory against Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last match but made an easy chase heavy season.Despite having a number of power hitters in their lineup, the team hasn’t really fired on expected lines. Even the captain Rishabh Pant Played an exceptional innings, albeit in a winning cause.
However, both the teams are sweating on the form of their overseas batsmen. Finn Allen and Cameron Green continued to struggle and were also subbed out 15 minutes into the game on Monday.The team could play Rowman Powell, who didn’t get a chance to make his case in a washed-out game.LSG’s top order has also failed to give the team the right pace with Aiden Markram, Michelle Marsh and Nicholas Pooran. On the bowling front, injury problems have plagued both sides before the start of the tournament. While LSG are waiting for their leg-spinner Venindu Hasaranga as he recovers from his hamstring injury, KKR are hopeful of getting fast bowler Muttisha Pathirana soon.
| 4 – LSG have won all four IPL fixtures by batting first against KKR — by 75 runs at Pune on 7 May 2022, by 2 runs at DY Patil, Mumbai on 18 May 2022, by 1 run at Kolkata on 20 May 2023 and by 4 runs at Kolkata on 8 April 2025, Kolkata won by 8 runs at KRK by 4 wickets on April 2025. and by 98 runs at Lucknow on May 5, both in 2024.
– Statistics: Rajesh Kumar |
