KKR aiming to inflict more misery on RCB
kolkata — Rejuvenated by a World Cup call-up, Dinesh Karthik would be eager to impress India captain Virat Kohli and also arrest the Kolkata Knight Riders’ three game losing streak, when they lock horns with Royal Challengers Bangalore in an Indian Premier League clash here on Friday.
It won’t be easy for KKR with Andre Russell doubtful for the RCB game after injuring his left shoulder during practice at the Eden Gardens on Wednesday.
Russell, who is KKR’s leading run-getter and main hope, was hit by a bouncer from a net bowler during training and was seen writhing in pain as the support staff rushed to the ground.
It is the same left shoulder where Russell was hit by a Harshal Patel delivery during KKR’s match against Delhi Capitals at the Kotla.
Although team sources said, there was no major fracture or dislocation, it remains to be seen whether the big-hitting West Indies all-rounder is fit for Friday’s clash.
In their first-leg clash in Bengaluru, Russell made all the difference with a whirlwind 13-ball 48 to drag KKR out of the woods and guide them to a remarkable five-wicket win.
While Russell’s availability is a big concern for the home side who have not won in their last three matches, and placed sixth in the points table, there would be no shortage of inspiration for Karthik who got the nod ahead of Rishabh Pant. “It’s a dream come true for me,” Karthik had said after the selection on Monday. The veteran stumper-batsman hasn’t been among runs so far but would look to deliver against RCB and more importantly, in front of Kohli. —