KKR vs KXIP: Head-to-head, Playing XI and other interesting stats
What's the story
Kolkata Knight Riders will be looking to clinch a win at the Eden Gardens, when they take on Kings XI Punjab in match number 18 of the Indian Premier League. It is going to be an enthralling encounter with both sides high on confidence post emphatic victories. KKR spinners versus Chris Gayle is the battle fans would be awaiting. Here is our pre-match report.
Strong at home
KKR have a healthy advantage in head-to-head
The two sides have faced each other 22 times in the IPL. KKR have won 14 times and KXIP have bagged 7 games with one game ending in no result. At the Eden, KKR have pocketed 7 out of the 9 games the sides have faced. Although the hosts have an upper hand, the KXIP batsmen will make life difficult for the Knights.
Information
Chris Gayle in ominous form
Chris Gayle has scored 167 runs in the two matches he has played in. The key to the tie will be how he handles the KKR bowlers. The trio of Sunil Narine, Kuldeep Yadav and Piyush Chawla need to be spot on.
Top draw
KKR need to be wary of KXIP challenge
The Kings XI have assembled a superb squad and at the moment they are clicking well as a unit. Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Andrew Tye and Mohit Sharma are chipping in with the ball, The batsmen are amongst the runs as well. So KKR need to stick to their basics and play well in order to stop KXIP from making inroads.
Personal
Probable playing XI - Kolkata Knight Riders
Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik (captain and wicket-keeper), Andre Russell, Shubman Gill, Kuldeep Yadav, Piyush Chawla, Shivam Mavi and Tom Curran.
Personal
Probable Playing XI- Kings XI Punjab
KL Rahul (wicket-keeper), Chris Gayle, Mayank Agarwal, Yuvraj Singh, Karun Nair, Marcus Stoinis, Barinder Sran, R Ashwin (captain), Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Andrew Tye and Mohit Sharma.