Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are all set to take on Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) in their last home game of the Pepsi Indian Premier League (IPL) 2015 on Saturday.
KKR would be eyeing that top spot on the points table if they defeat KXIP on Saturday. They would definitely want to finish in the top two places of the standings in order to get two shots to reach the big final for the third time.
Meanwhile, KXIP have now lost five games in a row and they have no chance whatsoever to make it to the playoff stages. Reportedly, they have promised to come hard at some of the teams who are looking to qualify for the Playoffs and would want to spoil their parties.
Let's have a look at some of the key players from both the sides who can rise to the ocassion:
Kolkata Knight Riders
Robin Uthappa: Uthappa had a scratchy start to the tournament as he was getting out to the loose balls but he turned the wheels of the fortune in his way eventually. He has the ability to play throughout the 20 overs and can score runs at a brisk pace. He has been their highest run-getter and he would like to move further up in that 'Orange Cap' list by adding some runs to his name on Saturday against KXIP.
Brad Hogg: The veteran Australian chinaman bowler has been one of the most effective bowlers ever since he joined the playing XI. Critics have already penned down their views on him as the ideal replacement for the under-performing Sunil Narine. He has already bagged nine wickets from five matches at an incredible average of 12.66 which is second best in that best average list after Mitchell Starc.
Kings XI Punjab
Glenn Maxwell: Having played seven matches in the tournament so far, he has only managed to add 75 runs to his name, which is very unlikely of him who had a good World Cup with the bat. He is surely one of the biggest hitters of the cricket ball in that KXIP line-up but unfortunately he did not have any impact in this tournament at all. If he fires with the bat, then he can spoil the party for KKR who are eyeing the top two spot already.
Sandeep Sharma: He has showcased some extra-ordinary swing bowling in this tournament. His bowling at the death overs has bee equally good. He has bowled well in tandem with Anureet Singh at the top of the order. But unfortunately, most of the times in this edition of the IPL, he has landed up on the losing side. He would want to make an impact in this game against KKR on Saturday like their last meeting.
