The Punjab Kings are gearing up for their crucial match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the iconic Eden Gardens. With the race for the playoffs heating up, both teams will be looking to secure a win and strengthen their position in the points table. However, for the Punjab Kings, this match holds even more significance as they eye a playoff push in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The Kings have had a rollercoaster ride in this edition of the IPL. They started off with a bang, with two consecutive wins, but then succumbed to a string of losses. However, they have managed to pick themselves up and have registered two back-to-back wins, which has given them a much-needed boost. Currently, they are placed at the fifth spot in the points table with 8 points from 9 matches. A win against KKR would take them closer to the top four and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Heading into this crucial match, the Punjab Kings are facing a dilemma with their playing XI. Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell, who has been a key player for them in the past, has not been in good form this season. He has managed to score only 82 runs in 8 matches, with an average of 10.25. In their previous match against Delhi Capitals, Maxwell was dropped from the playing XI and was replaced by Harpreet Brar. The young Indian all-rounder grabbed the opportunity with both hands and delivered a match-winning performance, scoring 17 runs and taking 3 wickets.
With Maxwell not performing up to expectations, the team management might once again consider giving Brar a chance in the playing XI. Brar’s impressive performance in the previous match has made a strong case for him to retain his spot in the team. He adds depth to both the batting and bowling line-up and his left-arm spin could prove to be crucial on the spin-friendly wicket at Eden Gardens.
Apart from Maxwell, there is also a possibility of Marcus Stoinis sitting out for this match. The Australian all-rounder has not been in great form either, with just 71 runs and 2 wickets in 7 matches. With Brar’s impressive performance, the team might opt for him over Stoinis, who has not been able to make a significant impact in the team so far.
If Brar does get a chance to play, the Kings’ predicted playing XI against KKR would be KL Rahul (c & wk), Mayank Agarwal, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran, Deepak Hooda, Shahrukh Khan, Harpreet Brar, Chris Jordan, Mohammed Shami, Ravi Bishnoi and Arshdeep Singh. This playing XI looks well-balanced and has the potential to take on KKR’s strong batting line-up.
The Punjab Kings will also be relying on their in-form players like Rahul, Agarwal, Gayle, and Pooran to deliver once again and guide the team to a crucial win. The return of Hooda, who missed the previous match due to injury, will also boost the team’s batting line-up. The bowling department, led by Mohammed Shami, will be looking to continue their good form and restrict KKR’s strong batting line-up.
On the other hand, KKR will also be eyeing a win to move up in the points table. With a strong batting line-up consisting of Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Eoin Morgan, and Andre Russell, they will pose a tough challenge for the Kings. However, the Punjab Kings have the firepower to take on any team and with the right strategy, they can emerge victorious in this crucial match.
In conclusion, the Punjab Kings have a lot riding on this match as they look to make a push for the playoffs. The team management will have to make some tough decisions regarding their playing XI, but with players like Brar stepping up and delivering, they have a strong chance of securing a win against KKR. The fans can expect an exciting and intense battle between the two teams at Eden Gardens, and the Punjab Kings will be hoping to come out on top and keep their playoff dreams alive.
The post PBKS predicted playing XI vs KKR: Glenn Maxwell or Marcus Stoinis may sit out, Brar likely to play again appeared first on Inside Sport India.
