IPL 10, KKR Vs DD: Kolkata need to register big win against Delhi to become table-toppers again
Kolkata Knight Riders would look to reclaim first position after losing it to Mumbai Indians when they clash with an equally confident Delhi Daredevils in what promises to be a thrilling IPL encounter on 17 April.
KKR is currently at number two position with 6 point and tally is being led by MI (8), while Delhi is resting at third place with 4 points.
Having started their campaign on a high against Gujarat Lions, KKR lost to Mumbai Indians before making a strong comeback with back-to-back wins at home against Kings XI Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Delhi, on the other hand, had a disappointing start to IPL-10 with a loss against Royal Challengers Bangalore, but bounced back with two consecutive wins -- both away and home -- and they would look to maintain the winning momentum today.
The massive wins against Rising Pune Supergiant and Kings XI Punjab must have sent strong signals to KKR camp. Playing at home would also add to Delhi's advantage but they will have their task cut out against KKR, this IPL's most consistent outfit so far.
Leading from the front, orange cap holder (for scoring most number of runs) and skipper Gautam Gambhir has shown his prowess and that has been one of the reasons for KKR's success. The left-handed batsman will be their key player yet again.
While injured opener Chris Lynn would be missed, the likes of Robin Uthappa, Manish Pandey and Yusuf Pathan, if manage to fire in unison, can more than make up for the loss.
Pandey has been among runs in last three matches, while Uthappa's gritty 68 off 39 deliveries last night helped KKR post 17-run win over defending champions Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Their lethal bowling department has both quality spinners and pacers such as Umesh Yadav, Chris Woakes and Trent Boult, and KKR attack may make the going tough for Delhi's otherwise reliable batting line-up.
Delhi, however, have in their ranks Sanju Samson, the only centurion of IPL-10 so far, Sam Billings, Rishabh Pant, Corey Anderson and Chris Morris -- all of whom have managed to deliver so far.
While Pant's half-century in the first match, though in a losing cause, cannot be ignored, it was Samson's 102 and Morris' incredible 9-ball 38 cameo down the order that set the tone for Delhi as they posted a huge 97-run win over Pune.
That Delhi are dangerous opponents was evident from last night's emphatic win over Kings XI Punjab. It was a total team effort that saw Delhi thrash KXIP by 51 runs at Feroz Shah Kotla.
- - With PTI inputs
