Positive despite losing skid, KKR coach Pandit
The Kolkata Knight Riders must quickly eliminate mistrust after failing to hold large totals in their home stadium twice in ten days. If the heartbreaking last-ball defeat to the table-topping Rajasthan Royals was any indication, then the record run chase by the hopeless Punjab Kings on Friday had to have rattled confidence.
On the eve of Monday’s match against the Delhi Capitals, KKR head coach Chandrakant Pandit said, “We see the positive side; three results may have gone against us but the team is playing superb cricket.” They are in a confident frame of mind, he said, so “it’s [actually] easy to motivate them.”
The Capitals have overcome their early indecision to become confident playoff contenders. After defeating the Mumbai Indians on Saturday, Rishabh Pant and company took off.
When the two teams previously faced off in Vizag, KKR triumphed by an overwhelming 106 runs, with DC packing up shop in less than 18 overs. Much has changed since then, especially in Washington, D.C. At that time, not many people would have heard of Jake Fraser-McGurk, but they have learned to win more often. He will be the greatest danger to KKR’s struggling bowling unit on Monday at Eden Gardens.
In five innings, the 22-year-old has pounded out 247 runs at a strike-rate of 237.50. With three half-centuries under his belt, including a remarkable 27-ball 84 on Saturday at an incredible strike-rate of 311, he has shown complete contempt for even the much-feared Jasprit Bumrah.
Since David Warner is still recovering from a thumb injury, the young Australian batsman is anticipated to begin the innings. For him, KKR has to have a well-thought-out strategy, and their best option, Sunil Narine, may be brought in early.
KKR’s bowling will be put to the test to the fullest with captain Pant back to his dominant form, Shai Hope and Tristan Stubbs scoring runs at high strike rates, and even Axar Patel and Abishek Porel contributing.
Bowlers have the difficult chore of attempting to deny them, while batsmen on both sides will be under pressure to put a high total on the board.
