In the IP Phase-2, the first match will be played between Delhi Capitals and Kolkata Knight Riders on Tuesday. Delhi Capitals have almost confirmed their place in the playoffs with 16 points from 10 matches. On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders are in fourth place with 8 points from 10 matches. Along with Kolkata, three other teams also have 8-8 points. In this sense, this match is more important for Kolkata.
Delhi team would like to finish in the top-2 after the league matches. This will give the team two chances to reach the finals. If Delhi wins this match, it will again become number-1 in the points table.
Venkatesh Iyer has proved to be a dark horse for Kolkata on this leg. He has scored 41 not out, 53, and 18 runs in three matches. KKR bowlers are also doing well. However, captain Eoin Morgan's form is a cause for concern. Morgan averages 18.92 and strikes rate 123.72 in T20 cricket since IPL 2020. There is not a single half-century in it.
Andre Russell fell victim to a hamstring injury while fielding against Chennai. They are not destined to play. In such a situation, either Ben Cutting or Shakib Al Hasan can be tried in his place. Considering the slow nature of the pitch, Shakib can be preferred. Delhi's Mark Stoinis is injured. Sam Billings can get a chance in his place.
Sunil Narine had scored 64 runs in 32 balls against Delhi in the last season. He was impressed with the bat in The Hundred tournament as well. Looking at these aspects, the Kolkata team can send Narine to the middle order. Due to the presence of left-handed batsmen in KKR, off-spinning all-rounder Lalit Yadav may get a chance again. Lalit has never allowed left-handers to set boundaries in the IPL so far. All his three IPL wickets have been left-handed batsmen. It also includes Narayan and Morgan.
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