Eden Gardens has been a hotspot for big scores this season, with teams consistently crossing the 200-run mark. Monday’s clash between KKR and DC promises yet another run-fest.
Overview
Two formidable batting teams, displaying exceptional form in recent matches, are set to clash at a venue where scores exceeding 200 have become the norm in IPL 2024. Can we expect anything less than a run-fest?
KKR has consistently surpassed the 220-run mark in their last three games, while DC has breached it twice in their last three outings, with their other score being 199. KKR boasts a striking rate of 11.18 in the powerplay this season, closely followed by DC at 10.41. The credit largely goes to the dynamic opening pairs of both teams.
Sunil Narine, with 357 runs in eight innings at a blistering strike rate of 184.02, has found reliable support from Phil Salt in the opening role. Together, they have maintained an impressive run rate of 12.36, making them the second-best opening pair with an average of 50.75. However, DC’s Khaleel Ahmed and Kuldeep Yadav pose a threat to KKR’s top order. Kuldeep has dismissed Narine twice in the IPL, averaging just 2.00 against him. His overall record against KKR is also commendable, with 10 wickets in three games, striking every six balls. Khaleel has also proven effective, dismissing Narine twice in four innings. Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer have also struggled against him. Can these bowlers be KKR’s Achilles’ heel?
Meanwhile, KKR must devise a strategy to tackle Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has already amassed 247 runs in five innings, striking at an impressive 237.50.
For DC, it’s a swift turnaround after their victory against Mumbai Indians on Saturday. With four wins in their last five games, this could work in their favor. Despite their poor record at Eden Gardens – two wins and seven losses in nine games – a victory here could propel them into the top four on the points table. On the other hand, KKR, having failed to defend 261 against Punjab Kings, will be eager for redemption.
Team Updates and Key Players Strategy
Delhi Capitals:
David Warner and Ishant Sharma are still nursing their injuries and are unlikely to feature in the upcoming clash against KKR. Prithvi Shaw’s availability remains uncertain due to illness, but if fit, he’ll resume his position at the top of the order, with Abishek Porel shifting down the lineup, possibly replacing Kumar Kushagra. DC is expected to maintain their current lineup, with Rasikh Salam continuing to make an impact in recent games.
Probable XII:
- Prithvi Shaw/Abishek Porel
- Jake Fraser-McGurk
- Shai Hope
- Rishabh Pant (captain & wicketkeeper)
- Tristan Stubbs
- Abishek Porel/Kumar Kushagra
- Axar Patel
- Kuldeep Yadav
- Lizaad Williams
- Mukesh Kumar
- Khaleel Ahmed
- Rasikh Salam
Kolkata Knight Riders:
Mitchell Starc’s availability remains uncertain due to a finger injury, with a potential return in place of Dushmantha Chameera. Anukul Roy and Venkatesh Iyer were impactful in the previous game and may be retained. Depending on the pitch conditions, KKR might opt for either Anukul or Suyash Sharma as their impact substitute. Vaibhav Arora could also be considered based on the playing surface.
Probable XII:
- Phil Salt
- Sunil Narine
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi
- Shreyas Iyer
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Rinku Singh
- Andre Russell
- Ramandeep Singh
- Dushmantha Chameera/Mitchell Starc
- Varun Chakravarthy
- Harshit Rana
- Anukul Roy/Suyash Sharma
Recent Track Record
Kolkata Knight Riders [KKR] :[ L , W , L , W , L]
Delhi Capitals [DC] :[ W , W , L , W , W]
In the limelight
Jake Fraser-McGurk’s performance in IPL 2024 isn’t just about the runs he’s scored but also how he’s scored them. Among openers with at least 100 runs in the powerplay this season, Fraser-McGurk boasts the highest strike rate of 252.08. With 22 sixes already to his name, he’s climbed to joint-fifth on the list in just five innings. Fresh off a blazing 27-ball 84 against Mumbai Indians, Fraser-McGurk will be eager to maintain his form.
At 35, Sunil Narine epitomizes the essence of an all-rounder. In IPL 2024, Narine leads the charts for KKR with 357 runs, while also standing out as their top wicket-taker with ten scalps. His economy rate of 6.96 is the best for KKR this season, with the next closest being Arora’s 9.57. Remarkably, Narine has managed to claim at least one wicket in every game. Despite KKR’s recent loss where PBKS chased down 261, Narine maintained an economy rate of 6. KKR will be banking on Narine’s consistent brilliance to continue making an impact.
Pitch Conditions and Statistics
Eden Gardens has been witness to high-scoring encounters this season, and that trend is expected to continue. In the previous five games, teams have preferred to bowl first, likely due to the dew factor that tends to affect the pitch later in the night. Kolkata is currently under an excessive heat warning, with temperatures soaring around 40 degrees Celsius during the day. The humidity levels are significant and will likely influence the game.
Important Stats:
- Shreyas Iyer needs just six runs to reach the milestone of 3000 runs in the IPL.
- While Shreyas Iyer has been dismissed twice by Kuldeep Yadav in seven T20 innings, he boasts a striking rate of 176.92 against him. He also has an impressive record against Axar Patel in the IPL, with a strike rate of 155.0 and an average of 62.0.
- Rishabh Pant has scored 52 runs off 24 balls against Andre Russell in the IPL, at a striking rate of 216.7. However, he has also been dismissed by Russell three times in seven innings.
- KKR’s fast bowlers have the highest economy rate in IPL 2024, standing at 11.25, with DC not far behind at 11.16
Optimizing Dream11 Lineups with Spontasy App
For passionate Dream11 fans gearing up for the KKR vs DC match today, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of both teams is key. KKR, known for their explosive batting and solid bowling, features star players such as Sunil Narine and Shreyas Iyer. Meanwhile, DC presents a formidable challenge with their dynamic lineup led by Prithvi Shaw and a potent bowling attack spearheaded by Khaleel Ahmed and Axar Patel.
To optimize Dream11 lineups and increase your chances of success in fantasy cricket, Dream11 enthusiasts can rely on the Spontasy app. With its AI-driven lineup suggestions and expert insights tailored specifically for the KKR vs DC clash, users can gain a competitive edge and maximize their fantasy cricket experience.
Download the Spontasy app from the Google Play Store today to access real-time updates, player statistics, and personalized lineup recommendations for the KKR vs DC match and all other Dream11 contests. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enhance your fantasy cricket journey and dominate your Dream11 leagues – get Spontasy now.