KXIP, KKR seek momentum in playoffs race

INDORE: Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders will look to regain their lost touch when the two sides clash in the Indian Premier League at the Holkar Stadium here on Saturday. KXIP won five of their first six matches but have found the going tough since returning from a week-long break. They have lost three of their last four matches but are in a better position compared to KKR, who need to win their remaining three games.

KKR BOWLING A WORRY

The Knights have conceded more than 160 in eight of their 11 games this season.

Both Mitchell Johnson and Tom Curran have been unimpressive, going for more than 10 per over. R Vinay Kumar too was expensive. Chinaman Kuldeep Yadav, supposed to be Dinesh Karthik’s trump card, has taken just eight wickets at an average of over 35. Piyush Chawla has also failed to make an impact. The 19-year-old pacer Shivam Mavi has shown promise but has picked just three wickets in seven games. Sunil Narine, however, has been good with 13 wickets and has given away runs at a miserly economy rate of 7.51.

The 102-run loss to Mumbai Indians has not only pushed KKR out of top four, but has also affected their net run-rate. So far, they have won five games and lost six.

TOO MUCH PRESSURE ON GAYLE, RAHUL

Despite making changes, KXIP’s middle-order has failed to get going. Manoj Tiwary hasn’t clicked and neither had Axar Patel. Fair to say, it’s harsh on openers Chris Gayle and KL Rahul to get the job done every time.

But KXIP coach Brad Hodge is confident the middle-order will come good in the remaining matches.