In the last bit of the Indian Premier League, the Kolkata Knight Riders have made it to the tonight's eliminator, going up against them will be Rajasthan Royals. The Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals are the four teams who have made it to the Playoffs this year in the Indian Premier League. Here are three reasons why KKR will make it to the finals.
In the last bit of the Indian Premier League, the Kolkata Knight Riders have made it to the tonight's eliminator, going up against them will be Rajasthan Royals. The Sunrisers Hyderabad, Kolkata Knight Riders, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals are the four teams who have made it to the Playoffs this year in the Indian Premier League.
Here are three reasons why KKR will make it to the finals.
1. Dinesh Karthik leading from the front
After the departure of former captain Gautam Gambhir, there was worry about the Tamil-Nadu wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik taking up the captaincy for the squad but he has proved all of them wrong this season. Leading the side by example, he has done exceptionally well this season not just with the bat but also with his captaincy.
The KKR skipper who was bought by for 7.4 crores at the auctions has contributed in almost every match for the team. He has scored 438 runs in 14 league games this season. His cameos at the toe end of the innings provide a much-needed boost to the team he has also developed an ability to deliver under pressure.
He is also quite brilliant behind the stumps. During this season, he has taken 13 catches and 3 stumps. Karthik's performance in the Playoffs will be vital in getting KKR to the final.
2. The trio
Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn and Andre Russell had all just recovered from injuries weeks before this season of the IPL began. Most people didn't expect a good performance from them, and hence people didn't really expect them to make it to the Playoffs. All of these players have done exceptionally well for the side. Sunil Narine who started his career as a mysterious spinner has moved to being a feared all-rounder for the squad. He has scored 327 runs with a strike rate of 189.01 and the highest score of 75.
Chris Lynn, who was picked up for 9.6 crores for this season, has done a fantastic job with the bat with a total of 425 runs in 14 matches at a strike rate of 131.17 and the highest score of 74. His partnerships with Sunil Narine have given the squad a good lead.
Another West Indian star Andre Russell, who was retained by KKR, has scored 264 runs at a strike rate of 189.92, and with the ball, he has taken 13 wickets with an economy of 9.57 and with his best figure of 3/31 this season. These overseas players will play a pivotal role in KKR reaching the finals.
3. Playing at Home
Playing in front of 66,000 KKR supporters couldn't have gotten better for the squad. Eden Gardens would provide the best atmosphere. KKR have won 5 out of their seven league matches at home this season. They had won the qualifiers that they played in 2014 at Eden Gardens against Kings XI Punjab. They will be hoping to do the same this year.