Series: Indian Premier League 2023
Match: KKR vs LSG, 68th Match
Team: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Lucknow Super Giants
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Time: May 20, 2022, 7:30 PM
Broadcast: Jio Cinema App, Star Sports Network
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Table of contents
Kolkata Knight Riders
Introduction:
- In spite of facing numerous challenges, including the absence of key players, the Kolkata Knight Riders made a commendable effort this season, staying in contention for the playoffs until the very end.
- However, due to certain subpar performances, especially from the middle order, their playoff prospects hinged on outcomes of other teams’ matches.
Team Analysis:
Batting:
- Among the younger lineup of the Knight Riders, some players have indeed shone brightly.
- Nitesh Rana, leading the team as the skipper, has displayed exceptional form, hitting three half-centuries and amassing a total of 305 runs, making him the second-highest run-scorer for the team this season.
- Rinku Singh, outshining all, is the top run-scorer and undoubtedly the discovery of the season for KKR. His ability to score on challenging pitches and anchor chases was amply demonstrated in the previous match.
- Contributions from Venkatesh Iyer and Jason Roy were appreciated, although they struggled with consistency.
- International players like Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine, despite their extensive T20 experience, failed to make a significant impact this season.
Bowling:
- Varun Chakaravarthy has emerged as the star performer in the bowling department, claiming 19 wickets to become the leading wicket-taker for the team.
- Suyash Sharma, another promising find, is expected to play a crucial role in future seasons.
- However, the seamers, including Umesh Yadav, Shardul Thakur, and Andre Russell, didn’t live up to the expectations, struggling to take wickets, which has been a key factor in the team’s lackluster performance.
Recent Form:
- Despite their relentless efforts, as things stand with just one match remaining, it is practically impossible for KKR to secure a place in the top four this season.
Conclusion:
- The Knight Riders’ journey this season, marked by valiant efforts and some notable performances, has been a learning curve for the team.
- Looking ahead to the next season, KKR might need to rethink their strategies and possibly go beyond the current player lineup to improve their performance and results.
Kolkata Knight Riders Playing 11
Playing 11 will be updated soon
Lucknow Super Giants
Introduction:
- Despite struggling with consistency, the Lucknow Super Giants have managed to remain in contention for the playoffs.
- Their recent triumph against the Mumbai Indians has significantly enhanced their prospects of securing a place in the top four. A victory in the next match will confirm their spot; however, a loss would mean they’ll have to rely on outcomes of other teams’ matches.
Team Analysis:
Batting:
- Quinton de Kock, who’s expected to provide a solid start, remains a critical figure for the Super Giants. He’ll be joined by either Kyle Mayers or Deepak Hooda to open the innings. While Mayers has been in good form, Hooda has struggled with the bat.
- The team is known for its strategic player selection based on conditions; hence, Mayers might make a comeback in the team for the upcoming match.
- The middle order boasts two outstanding batsmen – Marcus Stoinis and Nicholas Pooran. Stoinis, leading the run charts for the team with 368 runs, and Pooran, known for his prowess to finish games, have both had their best IPL seasons, significantly contributing to LSG’s journey so far.
- The performances of other batsmen like Krunal Pandya, Prerak Mankad, and Ayush Badoni have been patchy, and they’ll need to up their game in the forthcoming match.
Bowling:
- Ravi Bishnoi, with 14 wickets to his name, has been the leading bowler for the Super Giants.
- In the seam bowling department, they have a decent range of options with Yash Thakur, Naveen ul-Haq, and Mohsin Khan, who all have had satisfactory performances. Mohsin was particularly impactful in the last game, successfully defending 10 runs in the final over.
Recent Form:
- The Super Giants are coming off a win and are in a good position to secure a playoff spot if they win their next match.
Conclusion:
- With the right mix of players to challenge KKR and the motivation to secure a playoff spot, the Lucknow Super Giants are expected to be a formidable team to beat in their upcoming encounter.
Team2 Playing 11
Playing 11 will be updated soon
Kolkata vs Lucknow 68th Match – Team Summary
Kolkata Knight Riders
- Despite the absence of key players, KKR showed resilience throughout the season.
- The likelihood of making it to the playoffs is slim, hinging on other teams’ outcomes.
- Nitesh Rana, the team captain, has performed admirably, securing 305 runs, including 3 half-centuries, making him the second-highest run-scorer for the team.
- Rinku Singh has emerged as the star performer and top run-scorer for the team.
- Contributions from Venkatesh Iyer and Jason Roy have been sporadic and lacked consistency.
- Experienced T20 players Rahmanullah Gurbaz, Andre Russell, and Sunil Narine have not lived up to expectations.
- With 19 wickets to his name, Varun Chakaravarthy is the team’s leading wicket-taker.
- Suyash Sharma, a promising newcomer, could play an essential role in KKR’s future campaigns.
- The team’s seamers, including Umesh Yadav, Shardul Thakur, and Andre Russell, have struggled to make an impact.
Lucknow Super Giants
- Despite inconsistencies, LSG has managed to remain in contention for the playoffs.
- Their recent victory over Mumbai Indians has enhanced their chances of making it to the top four.
- The team will rely on Quinton de Kock, possibly alongside Kyle Mayers or Deepak Hooda, to provide a solid start.
- Marcus Stoinis, the team’s leading run-scorer with 368 runs, and Nicholas Pooran are crucial to the middle order.
- Other players, including Krunal Pandya, Prerak Mankad, and Ayush Badoni, will need to step up their game.
- With 14 wickets, Ravi Bishnoi has been the team’s prime bowler.
- The seam bowling department, featuring Yash Thakur, Naveen ul-Haq, and Mohsin Khan, has shown decent performances.
- Armed with motivation and the right players, LSG is poised to present a tough challenge to KKR in the upcoming match.
Pitch And Conditions
Weather and Conditions
The weather at Eden Gardens is expected to be warm and humid, with the possibility of overcast skies. Although there might be a chance of showers, cricket enthusiasts can still anticipate a thrilling game.
Pitch Analysis: The Eden Gardens Batting Paradise
Eden Gardens has a reputation for favoring batsmen, and this year seems to be no exception. The pitch is predominantly dry and flat, with scanty grass cover, making it an ideal ground for high scores. This season, the average score for the first inning has been hovering around a formidable 195.
The pitch, however, is not entirely a bowler’s nightmare. The inherent slowness of the surface and its dry nature may prove to be an ally to spinners, offering them a fair amount of assistance.
However, seamers might have a challenging time here. The lack of bounce and seam movement will test their skills, and they will need to be meticulous with their line and length. Discipline will be key for them to succeed on this pitch.
In conclusion, Eden Gardens is set to offer a game where batsmen and spinners can flourish while providing a testing ground for seamers. It’s a perfect setting for a high-octane match.
Kolkata vs Lucknow 68th Match – Betting Tips
Although the Kolkata Knight Riders may not have a ticket to the playoffs, we anticipate them putting up a robust fight in the upcoming match. Their spirit and determination should not be underestimated. However, the scales seem to tip in favor of the Lucknow Super Giants.
Lucknow Super Giants boast a formidable batting lineup, laden with talented players capable of changing the game’s course in their favor. Their bowling unit, too, has demonstrated their mettle in high-pressure situations, proving they can hold their nerve when it counts the most.
This blend of powerful batting prowess and resilient bowling makes the Super Giants a force to be reckoned with, and they’re anticipated to have the upper hand in the forthcoming encounter. Regardless of the outcome, fans can look forward to an engaging and intense cricket match filled with exhilarating performances and strategic plays.
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