Cricket

IPL 2021: Aakash Chopra picks ideal playing XI for Kolkata Knight Riders

 

Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra has picked his ideal playing XI for Kolkata Knight Riders for the upcoming season of IPL. Chopra wants Rahul Tripathi to open the innings with Shubman Gill. Tripathi had scored 230 runs in 11 matches in the previous season whereas Gill had scored 440 runs in 14 IPL matches.

Chopra wants Nitish Rana to bat at one down in the batting order. Rana was recently tested positive for Covid-19 however he has been tested as negative a couple of days ago. The renowned commentator wants KKR skipper Eoin Morgan to bat at number four whereas he backed Dinesh Karthik to bat at number five.

Morgan had scored 418 runs in 14 matches at an average of 41.8 and a strike rate of 138.41 in the previous season whereas Karthik couldn’t get going.

“I will have Tripathi as an opener with Gill. I will keep Nitish Rana at No.3, Morgan at No.4, and Dinesh Karthik at No.5. This is your top five,” said Chopra while talking on his YouTube

Chopra feels Andre Russell should bat at number six. Russell didn’t have a great previous season in the IPL and he will aim to turn the tables. The former KKR player wants gun fast bowler Pat Cummins to take seventh place in the batting order.

“Now you keep Andre Russell at No.6. If you keep him at No.6, the slight question will be whom will you bat at No.7. I would say try with Pat Cummins,” added Chopra.

Chopra wants KKR to pick Prasidh Krishna and Varun Chakravarthy, who had scalped 17 wickets in 13 IPL matches in the previous season. The commentator added that the team can pick between Lockie Ferguson and play either Shakib Al Hasan or Sunil Narine. Chopra feels KKR can also play Kuldeep Yadav, who is currently out of form. 

“If you keep Pat Cummins at No.7, you will have four proper bowlers after that. Varun Chakravarthy and Prasidh Krishna can be there in that. That makes it two,” said Chopra. 

“You have picked only three overseas. So, depending on the pitch you can pick an overseas fast bowler like Lockie Ferguson. You can also pick Sunil Narine or Shakib Al Hasan. You can also play Kuldeep Yadav,” added Chopra. 

Chopra feels KKR must consider leaving Sunil Narine out of the final XI if he isn’t playing well. KKR will begin their IPL 2021 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on 11th April.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Novak Djokovic ‘honoured’ to have rivalry with Rafael Nadal

Novak Djokovic said it was his honour to share the epic rivalry with Rafael Nadal.… Read More

November 22, 2024

Robert Lewandowski names Sergio Ramos as his most ‘favourite and difficult’ opponent to face

Barcelona striker Robert Lewandowski has named former Real Madrid legend Sergio Ramos as his most… Read More

November 22, 2024

Pep Guardiola signs Manchester City extension through 2027

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has signed a two-year contract extension with the club till… Read More

November 22, 2024

Mohammedan SC’s Andrey Chernyshov wants team to give their best in every Indian Super League match

Mohammedan SC’s head coach Andrey Chernyshov wants the club to give their best in every… Read More

November 22, 2024

Nick Kyrgios says the game of tennis is bland in the post Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal era

Controversial Nick Kyrgios has predicted tennis will become bland after Rafael Nadal’s retirement. Nadal lost… Read More

November 22, 2024