IPL 5 Preview: Deccan Chargers Vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match 29
Stuck at the bottom of the IPL table after four successive defeats in as many games, Deccan Chargers would be hoping that a change of venue from Hyderabad to Cuttack will bring them luck and help record their first win when they host Kolkata Knight Riders, on Sunday, April 22, 2012. While they would be encouraged by the fact that they won both the games hosted at this venue in the 2010 edition, DC must contend with the ground reality of poor investment in players made by the team management.
While DC’s batting has clicked, their bowling has let them down badly. Sangakkara and Dhawan have been among the runs, and with the likes of Parthiv Patel and Duminy in the middle order, they have not had trouble putting up competitive scores. However, barring Steyn, who has been outstanding, the other bowlers have disappointed, Amit Mishra, in particular.
KKR who began with a couple of losses have since righted their course in IPL 5, thanks to skipper Gambhir who has been among the runs. Their batting runs deep, with Lee at number nine capable of smiting a useful blow or two. But Yusuf Pathan has been a disappointment with the bat, though KKR are unlikely to drop the man who can win games on his own strength, once he finds his rhythm. Where KKR have really impressed has been in their bowling. Lee has bowled with a lot of sting, ably supported by Balaji. Shakib has been among the wickets, and best of all, the side has a surfeit of all-rounders capable of carrying the fifth bowler’s burden, in the likes of Kallis and Pathan. Narine adds variety to the attack.
KKR start as favourites, and if DC want to confound the odds, they must bowl and field like misers, something that’s easier said than done, going by past evidence.
DC’s probable eleven: Sangakkara, Dhawan, Patel, Christian, Duminy, Chipli, Sohal, Steyn, Sharma, Mishra, VP Singh.
KKR’s probable eleven: Gambhir, Bisla, Kallis, Tiwary, Pathan, Das, Shakib, Bhatia, Lee, Balaji, Narine.
About the Author (Author Profile)
Jinxatious is the Chief Editor of SportingAttitude.com
An avid writer, on an eclectic range of subjects, he brings to bear editorial experience garnered with a national newspaper in South-East Asia. He also has sportscasting experience, as a cricket commentator, and his passion for sport extends beyond Cricket, to Football, Tennis, and Olympic Sports.
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