Former champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are off to a mixed start in the 2020 Indian Premier League (IPL). Although they lost their opening game of the season, to defending champions Mumbai Indians (MI), they bounced back against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Rajasthan Royals (RR).
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Also, it has been notable that KKR are mostly reliant on three or four batsmen in the side, as even a mini-collapse triggers panic among the other incoming batsmen, leaving them vulnerable to a major fall. Speaking on the same, cricketer-turned commentator Aakash Chopra feels that KKR should head into the tie against Delhi Capitals (DC) with an extra batsman.
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"I would say Kolkata Knight Riders should open with Tripathi, instead of Narine, and you can make a fast bowler sit out. Because, at the moment, I am feeling that they have a lot of bowling options, but their batting line-up is a little weak, if there is a mini-collapse," Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
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"Nitish Rana has not played a big knock and neither has Dinesh Karthik, and then, it becomes a bit of an issue. It happened in the last match as well, but they got saved as Eoin Morgan played very well, and they barely scraped through to a good total," he added.
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Speaking further on the clash, Chopra also feels that DC should have Ashwin in their side instead of Mishra, owing to the former's better fitness. "Delhi Capitals could play Ashwin, if he is fit, in place of Mishra. Other than that, I don't think there is much scope of change," he said.
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Meanwhile, Chopra labelled pacer Kagiso Rabada as a game-changer and feels that he could be the man who could steer DC to a win, courtesy of his death-bowling expertise. He also picked DC as the favourites to win against KKR.
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"In a small ground like Sharjah, a bowler might prove to be the difference between the two sides. So, for this particular game, I am going with Kagiso Rabada," he continued.
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"I feel (that) Rabada will be able to restrict Kolkata Knight Riders, and when he will come at the end when Russell will be hitting, he will be the one who will be able to stop him, and that could be the match-changing spell. I am picking Delhi Capitals to win this contest," he concluded.
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