Published: Oct 02, 2014, 01:54 AM (IST)
Edited: Oct 02, 2014, 01:54 AM (IST)
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Hobart Hurricanes are all set to face each other in the first semi-final match of Champion’s league T20 (CLT20) 2014. Sandipan Banerjee takes a look at KKR’s likely XI for this knockout match.
KKR had a dream run so far in this year’s edition of the CLT20. They have extended their winning streak to 13 matches by winning all four league games in this tournament. Gautam Gambhir‘s team will meet Hobart Hurricanes in the semi-final of CLT20. Here is KKR’s likely XI for this match.
1. Gautam Gambhir (c): Gautam Gambhir had a decent outing in CLT20 2014 but he needs up his performance. His role in the opening position will be crucial for KKR’s chances in the tournament. He along with Robin Uthappa would like give the Kolkata based team a good and steady start against an experienced Hobart Attack.
2. Robin Uthappa (wk): After his brilliance in Indian Premier League (IPL), Robin Uthappa is having a good CLT20 too . His brilliant knocks against Dolphins and Lahore Lions helped KKR to win the matches. At the top of the order he plays the crucial role of holding one end. Uthappa would like to continue this in the semi-final as well. Uthappa will also keep wickets for KKR.
3. Jacques Kallis : With bat, Jacques Kallis has failed to score big runs. But Keeping his experience and all round ability in mind, KKR will continue with him in an important game like the semi-final.
4. Manish Pandey: Manish Pandey showed his class with another cracking knock against the Dolphins. Also who can forget the excellent knock by this Karnataka boy in the IPL Final? So in the semi-final he will again bat at his usual batting position.
5. Ryan Ten Doeschate: KKR used Ryan Ten Doeschate as one of the finishers of team and they should continue to do so in the CLT20. In the first match against CSK he showed his potential with bat. Apart from his batting, Doeschate’s slow medium pace bowling can be an asset for the team.
6. Yusuf Pathan: Team management’s faith in Yusuf Pathan had finally paid off when he single handedly put KKR in the Qualifiers of IPL as the number two team in the points table with a breath taking knock against Sunrisers at Eden Gardens. In CLT20 2014 against the Perth Scorchers he impressed with bat. Also Gambhir used his off-spin to a good effect. So in a crunch game like the semi-final, Pathan would like to contribute with both bat and ball.
7. Andre Russell: The West Indies all rounder emerged as an finisher for KKR. His knock against CSK will be remembered by the KKR fans. Against the Dolphins, he bowled a opening spell, which has lot of pace. He would like to do more good things for KKR to be a regular member of the team.
8. Suryakumar Yadav: Suryakumar Yadav at number seven was a revolution for KKR in this year’s CLT20 and in last Indian Premier League (IPL). His unorthodox shots can hurt the opposition big time. At number seven he can be most effective for the boys in purple.
9. Piyush Chawla: Piyush Chawla is the finisher of the team. But his main job will be the supporting spinner of Sunil Narine. Though he generally concedes runs, he is a wicket taking bowler and leg spinners add variety to any team.
10: Sunil Narine: The West Indian mystery man is probably the most important player for KKR. His four over’s are generally the deciding factor for Gambhir’s team. Sunil Narine opted out from the Bangladesh Tests to play in the Champion’s league, which shows his value for this squad. Though his action is reported after KKR’s last game against Dolphins, but one can hope it won’t hamper his performance.
11. Kuldeep Yadav: Kuldeep Yadav is sensation for KKR in the CLT20. His left arm chinaman has troubled the opposition batsmen so far. He would like to continue his good work and keep his supporting role of Narine intact in the semi-finals too.
Catch the complete coverage of Champions League T20 (CLT20) 2014 here
(Sandipan Banerjee is a reporter at CricketCountry. Cricket has been the biggest passion for him since his childhood. So, when it came to choosing his career, he chose to turn his passion into his profession. Apart from cricket he likes mountain trekking, river rafting and photography. His twitter handle is @im_sandipan)
