Kolkata Knight Riders’ bowling is regarded as their biggest strength. So conceding 228 runs at home (Eden Gardens) against Sunrisers Hyderabad’s batting line-up, which isn’t the strongest in the competition, certainly came as a surprise.
It’s up to the Knight Riders bowlers to now prove that Friday evening at the Eden was just an off day when they take on Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede on Sunday.
With the game set to begin at 3.30 in the afternoon, the Knight Riders will have just over a day to get ready for Rohit Sharma and his men. Add the fatigue of travel to that and you know that the Knights face a tall task.
The Wankhede track usually turns out to be a belter for batsmen. That makes the job for the Knights bowlers tougher, especially against Mumbai skipper Rohit, who has regained form with his 50-plus score in the previous game. Not that the likes of Tilak Varma, Cameron Green and Tim David can’t hurt the Knights. Once again, it will be the Knights’ spin attack, led by Sunil Narine, which will play a key role. Their success or failure can decide the outcome of the match.
But as far as their pace attack is concerned, the Knights’ quicks do need to buck up. Batting-wise, though the top order continues to struggle, captain Nitish Rana and Rinku Singh’s current form is good news.
Fingers are also crossed on the availability of all-rounder Andre Russell, who left the field (bowling 2.1 overs and taking three wickets) with cramps on Friday.
MI initiative
Mumbai Indians Women’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur may accompany Rohit at the toss on Sunday as part of the franchise’s initiative to support young girls.
Today’s match
■ Mumbai Indians vs Kolkata Knight Riders, 3.30pm, Wankhede, live on Star Sports & Jio Cinema
