KKR Playing XI vs SRH in IPL 2021: For eight years, Sunil Narine has enjoyed being vital in KKR’s playing XI. But due to a slump in form, West Indian has started losing the confidence of Kolkata Knight Riders’ team management. His place in the starting eleven has become uncertain after a series of bad performances. And the signing of arguably the greatest Bangladesh cricketer Shakib Al Hasan has made it even worse for Narine.
Interestingly, it has also become put skipper Eoin Morgan and the think tank in a fix on who to pick when KKR face SRH on Sunday. However, it is likely they will go for Shakib given his economy and the ability to put pressure on the batsman.
KKR Playing XI vs SRH in IPL 2021: How does Eoi Morgan see the Shakib vs Narine situation?
Morgan feels that Sunil Narine can win the situations in big moments of the game. “Shakib and Sunil are no different. In big moments of the game, particularly last year, you would throw Sunil the ball or you would get him in with the bat because he has been in that situation over and over again. He believes in himself and in the team to go and get through and win that situation,” the English cricketer said.
While speaking about Shakib Al Hasan, Morgan said that he gives different dynamics in the team and can definitely deliver if called upon. “Given that we have a bit more travel this year and we go from venue to venue, it’s important to have strength and depth in the squad. Shakib Al Hasan gives us a different dynamic in the team.
“Given that we play at different venues where the conditions change quite a lot, you have a spin-bowling all-rounder who had success in international cricket and IPL at different stages. If called upon, he can definitely deliver,” Eoin Morgan further said.
KKR Playing XI vs SRH in IPL 2021: Sunil Narine over the years for Kolkata Knight Riders
Narine has been one of the mainstays of KKR’s bowling attack for years. But it is his exploits with the bat that have come to the fore of late more than his bowling. He started opening in 2017, and has given KKR blazing starts early in the innings. However, his inconsistent performance off late has forced KKR team management to look for other options.
- His struggle with the bat is a big headache for KKR. In the last two IPL editions, he has scored just 264 runs 22 games, which is 93 runs less than his 2018 total of 357 runs in 16 games.
- His bowling action has always been under scanner. Even last year, Narine missed three crucial games which had derailed KKR’s chances of making it to the IPL qualifiers.
This is where Shakib comes into the scheme of things.
SRH vs KKR in IPL 2021 – KKR playing XI: Why is Shakib Al Hasan a better option than Sunil Narine
Shakib is KKR’s biggest signing of the season. The 34-year-old is returning to the tournament after missing the 2020 edition due to a ban. A genuine spin-bowling all-rounder, Shakib provides the much-needed balance to the team. He is a skilful T20 bowler who has the ability to bowl many a dots in the middle part of the innings, putting more pressure on the batting team. His economy of under 8 is a testament to the same.
Given Narine’s low returns in the past two editions, expect Shakib to play the first few games. The last season especially turned out to be a flop for the KKR veteran, where he grabbed just five wickets and scored 121 runs in ten games.
SRH vs KKR in IPL 2021 – KKR playing XI: What will be their starting eleven?
Last season, KKR struggled to choose the right opening pair. At the start of the tournament Narine and Shubman Gill started off, but Narine’s lack of runs meant Rahul Tripathi was given a chance. But after a couple of good shows, even he faded out. Tom Banton was tried for one game but even that move failed. KKR were forced to try Nitish Rana at the top and the move worked for the team as he was struggling at No 3 but once pushed at the top, he smashed two scores in the 80s.
KKR would be looking to continue with the left-right combination of Rana and Gill at the top, with Tripathi at 3, followed by Morgan, Karthik, Shakib, and Russell.
Pat Cummins, Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Prasidh Krishan will form the KKR pace battery. While the spin department will be headed by Varun Chakravarthy.
SRH vs KKR in IPL 2021 – KKR playing XI
KKR possible XI: Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan (c) Dinesh Karthik, Shakib al Hasan/ Sunil Narine, Andre Rusell, Pat Cummins, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy
SRH vs KKR in IPL 2021: When is SRH vs KKR?
KKR play their first game on 11 April at Chennai against Sunrisers Hyderabad. They will play three games in Chennai, two in Mumbai and four each in Ahmedabad and Bengaluru.
KKR full squad 2021: Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Tim Seifert (wk), Rahul Tripathi, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Eoin Morgan (c), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Varun CV, Kuldeep Yadav, Pat Cummins, Lockie Ferguson, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Shivam Mavi, Sandeep Warrier, Prasidh Krishna, Shakib Al Hasan, Sheldon Jackson, Vaibhav Arora, Karun Nair, Harbhajan Singh, Ben Cutting, Venkatesh Iyer, Pawan Negi