KKR vs KXIP: Detailed preview, Playing XI and TV listing
What's the story
Following a splendid start to their IPL 2019 campaign, Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab go head to head in match number six at the Eden Gardens Stadium in Kolkata on Wednesday. Having won their opening games, it would be interesting to see how they fare and who has the last laugh. Here we present the match preview, predicted XI and TV listing.
Latest story
KKR stun SRH, KXIP humble RR
Considering the latest development, KKR stunned everyone when they chased down a challenging total of 182 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in Kolkata on Sunday, as Andre Russell was adjudged the Man of the Match. As for KXIP, they humbled Rajasthan Royals on Monday under controversial circumstances and won by 14 runs, as Chris Gayle was the star of the match.
Team news
Russell and Gayle to be in focus again
Judging by the last match, Russell would be in focus again as he put up a boisterous show on Sunday, courtesy his hard-hitting skills. For KXIP, 'Universe Boss' Chris Gayle would hog the limelight, courtesy his knock in Jaipur. Being a former knight himself, Gayle is popular among the fans in Kolkata, and has a good record at this venue.
Head-to-head
KKR enjoy the edge over KXIP
Out of 23 matches played between the sides to date, KKR have enjoyed more success, winning 15 of the ties Meanwhile, KXIP have won the remaining eight, two of which have come outside India (Port Elizabeth and Abu Dhabi). If we talk about 10 matches played in Kolkata, KKR have won seven of them, while KXIP won the remaining three.
Eden track
Eden track expected to be flat
While Eden is mostly known for its slow nature of the wicket, over the years, the track has been re-laid and transformed into a batting-friendly track. As was evident on Sunday, with almost 400 runs being scored, the same can be expected on Wednesday. Nonetheless, the team winning the toss would look to bowl first. However, batting first won't be a bad option either.
Predicted XI
No changes expected in Playing XI
KKR: Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Shubman Gill, Nitish, Dinesh Karthik (captain), Andre Russell, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Prasidh Krishna. KXIP: Chris Gayle, KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal, Sarfaraz Khan, Nicholas Pooran, Mandeep Singh, Sam Curran, Ravichandran Ashwin (captain), Mohammed Shami, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Ankit Rajpoot. Dream XI: KL Rahul (captain), Gayle, Mayank, Lynn, Nitish, Curran, Russell (vice-captain), Shami, Rajpoot, Kuldeep, Lockie.
Match details
When, where and how to watch
Match: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs Kings XI Punjab (KXIP). Venue: Eden Gardens Stadium, Kolkata. Time: 8 PM (IST). Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1, 2, Select 1 and other regional languages channels of Star Sports. Where to watch (Online): Hotstar. Where to book match tickets: bookmyshow.com.