After suffering defeat at the hands of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their last game, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be eager to get back to their winning ways and move up in the IPL standings table, when they face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Eden Gardens on Monday night.
On the other hand, SRH have played some good cricket in their last two matches, defeating Kings XI Punjab as well as Chennai Super Kings. But it is not going to be an easy task to defeat KKR at Eden Gardens, where the home team enjoys huge support. KKR have only lost one game at home in IPL 2015 so far.
Both teams possess a number of quality players, who are capable of producing a high-voltage clash. Here is a look at two players from both the sides.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Robin Uthappa – The Karnataka batsman is dangerous at the top of the order for KKR. The team depends on his batting exploits to provide a good start and build a solid platform for players such as Yusuf Pathan and Andre Russell to post a mammoth total. Uthappa has looked impressive of late, scoring runs at an aggressive rate. He has amassed 246 runs in the competition so far, his highest score being 80 not out.
Andre Russell – In the past editions of the IPL, Andre Russell failed to leave a mark, but he has already played some match-winning knocks for KKR in IPL 2015. The West Indian has been aggressive with the bat, scoring 230 runs so far, with a strike rate that is just a shade under 200. It is not only his batting exploits but also bowling heroics that has helped KKR win some matches. He has taken 8 wickets in the competition so far. If Russell comes up with yet another all-around performance against SRH tonight, KKR will be in the driver's seat.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
David Warner - The SRH skipper has led the team from the front with the willow, having amassed 378 runs so far. The Australian, who is the second highest run-scorer in IPL 2015, has been the most consistent performer for SRH. He has already scored five half-centuries in the IPL. Warner has given some flying starts to his team, but the middle order has failed to consolidate in the middle overs of the game. Hence, he might be required to bat right through the innings and shoulder more responsibility.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar – SRH have the best bowling line up in the IPL with Dale Steyn and Trent Boult in their ranks, but it is their Indian bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who has been the most consistent so far, with 11 wickets. The bowler has troubled batsmen with his swing and has also been quite economical. Not only has he been amazing with the new ball, but also during the death overs, when he is spot on with his yorkers, making it difficult for batsmen to score runs.
