Everything seems to be clicking for Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2017. Their batsmen are scoring runs and the bowlers are also doing a decent job. KKR have won four of their five matches in IPL 2017 on the back of such all-round performances and has become the team to beat in the tenth edition of Indian Premier League.
The Gujarat Lions will pull out all stops to break KKR's winning streak when the two teams meet for their second head-to-head clash of the season at Eden Gardens in Kolkata. KKR took Gujarat Lions to cleaners in the last match. Looks like, Suresh Raina's team has an uphill task in Kolkata. Meanwhile, KKR are aiming for a double against Gujarat Lions.
The Lions are at the bottom of the points' table with one win from five matches.
KKR have been simply brilliant so far with players stepping in when it matters. They are looking like a team on a mission and are primed for a third IPL title.
KKR's only loss came against Mumbai Indians, and assistant coach Simon Katich feels they messed up against Mumbai Indians.
"We are obviously happy with four (wins) out of five. It should really have been five out of five but we messed up against Mumbai Indians. But they are a very dangerous team and I think they will be there during the end stages. We didn't have a good game against Mumbai but we've learnt from that, especially bowling at the death and fielding," Hindustan Times quoted Katich as saying.
Gambhir has been tinkering with the opening combination following Chris Lynn's injury. He has used Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa and Colin De Grandhomme in the opening slot. Who will open with Gambhir this time around?
With a strong batting line-up including in-form Yusuf Pathan and Manish Pandey, and a formidable bowling unit, KKR are high on confidence going into this match. On the other hand, Gujarat Lions are staring at their fifth defeat.
Losing to KKR could prove disastrous to the GL's confidence. Suresh Raina should lead from the front and the GL players have to take more responsibility and deliver as a unit to get the team back on track.
Gujarat Lions need to buckle up in all departments, especially bowling.
"I think we haven't consistently put our batting, bowling and fielding together in one unit. I thought we played very well against Pune where, after a slow start with the ball, we dragged them back beautifully and had a nice run chase. We are batting reasonably well as a group, the two standouts being Dinesh (Karthik) and (Brendon) McCullum," said Finch.
Many teams have reached Playoffs after poor starts in the past. Now, is a good time for GL to turn the tables.
Where to watch live:
KKR vs GL is set to begin at 8 pm IST (3.30 pm BST). TV and live streaming information below.
India: TV: Sony Six, Sony Six HD, Sony ESPN, Sony ESPN HD, Sony Max. Live Streaming: Hotstar.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 2. Live Streaming: Watch Sky Sports.
USA: TV: Willow TV. Live Streaming: Willow TV Online.
Middle East: TV: OSN Sports Cricket HD. Live Streaming: OSN Play.
South Africa: TV: SuperSport. Live Streaming: SuperSport Live Video.
Afghanistan: TV: Lemar TV
Bangladesh: TV: Bong BD.
Hong Kong: TV: Now TV.
International: Live Streaming: Cricketgateway.
