IPL 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders’ strongest predicted playing XI against Lucknow Super Giants, Match 54

KKR ( Source : IPL )

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will go head-to-head against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Match 54 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. LSG had to face a bitter experience when the two met in Kolkata earlier this season, losing by eight wickets. LSG will now look for an exact revenge by inviting Shreyas Iyer and Co. to the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. 

Both teams have had excellent campaigns so far and are in tight competition for a place in the playoffs. KKR are currently second in the points table with seven wins out of 10 matches. LSG, On the other hand, occupies the third spot with six wins from 10 games. The fact that both teams are coming off the back of impressive wins makes it difficult to pick a favourite.

Interestingly, Mumbai Indians (MI) were the opposition for both teams in their previous encounter. While Marcus Stoinis’ half-century led LSG to a four-wicket win, Venkatesh Iyer’s 70 and Mitchell Starc’s four-fer were crucial in KKR’s 24-run victory. A defeat would not hamper either team’s playoff chances, but a win would boost their chances of qualification.

Also Read: Lucknow Super Giants’ strongest predicted XI against Kolkata Knight Riders

Here’s the probable Playing XI for KKR versus LSG IPL 2024 clash:

Openers: Phil Salt (wk), Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine and Philip Salt. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)

Phil Salt and Sunil Narine will be the top contenders to win the title of most dangerous opening combo in IPL 2024. The left-right combination has proved fruitful since the start of the season and has played a major role in KKR’s excellent run so far. Both are aggressive batters who can go berserk in the powerplay and put pressure on their opponents.

Notably, Salt was the Player of the Match (89* off 47) last time when KKR beat LSG. The English batter has been in excellent form this season, scoring nearly 400 runs at a strike rate of 180.45. Sunil Narine is undoubtedly KKR’s most valuable player, thanks to his all-round prowess. The KKR pinch-hitter has taken 380 runs and 13 wickets so far.

Also Check: Orange Cap in IPL 2024- Most Runs

Middle-order: Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh

Shreyas Iyer. (Source -IPL)

Angkrish Raghuvanshi has had a great start to his IPL career, which has helped cement his place in the KKR XI. However, as the tournament progressed, the youngster seemed to lose his momentum. Shreyas Iyer is yet to play a remarkable knock this season. The KKR captain’s bat has not found an easy way to score runs and will be eagerly waiting to bring out his best in the upcoming match. 

Venkatesh Iyer was promoted up the batting order and he proved the decision right with some impressive knocks. In their last match against MI, the southpaw smashed 70 off 52 balls to win the Player of the Match award. KKR have failed to embrace Rinku Singh’s full potential this season. The top-order’s scintillating form and consistency in the middle-order saw the finisher Rinku being sidelined.

All-rounder: Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh

Andre Russel (Photo source: X / Twitter )

Andre Russell’s all-round brilliance makes him a vital asset to the KKR squad. When on song, he can single-handedly win games. Known for his power hitting, Russell’s batting position will change depending on the game situation. The medium pacer can also chip in with some crucial wickets in the middle and death overs. 

Ramandeep Singh is a regular presence in the KKR XI and is tasked with the finishing role. He has played some quick-fire knocks this season, but it’s fair to say that nothing has been spectacular from the 27-year-old. Ramandeep is also a handy medium pacer, not much explored by KKR.

Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy

Mitchell Starc. (Source -IPL/BCCI)

Mitchell Starc has been under fire for his string of poor performances in IPL 2024. However, the veteran pacer had taken a three-wicket haul in the last encounter against LSG. Moreover, he silenced his critics with a four-fer against MI in their last match. Harshit Rana will be back in the line-up after getting a one-match ban for breaching the code of conduct.

Rana is a key cog in the pace department and he will be expected to maintain his form in his comeback game. Varun Chakravarthy has the knack of picking up crucial wickets and controlling the run flow in the middle overs. The mystery spinner grabbed five wickets in the last two outings, including a POTM award against DC.

Also Check: Purple Cap in IPL 2024 – Most Wickets 

KKR’s Predicted XI against LSG:

Phil Salt (wk), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Impact Substitute – Suyash Sharma