Morgan to steer KKR out of slump
Two of the four sides with just one win from their opening four IPL games face off on Saturday, is it too early to be must win? Sanju Samson’s Rajasthan Royals have endured a rough start losing Ben Stokes to a hand injury and have been hampered by the absence of Jofra Archer. The bowling attack struggled in their last match, losing to the table topping Royal Challengers Bangalore by 10 wickets, despite posting just under 180. Kolkata Knight Riders have lost their last three but against top opposition, despite being 31-5 they managed to reach 202 in pursuit of 221 in their last game, some reasons for optimism.
Muscle
It was captivating viewing as KKR punched their way towards a winning position but eventually were undone due to their lack of wickets in hand. Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik and Pat Cummins demonstrated the skill and application required to hunt down totals. After that display the capability of their lower order should not be doubted. Shubman Gill is yet to fire at the top of the order but the youngster’s ability is undoubted, it is only a matter of time before he gets a score. Pushing Eoin Morgan and Andre Russell up the order would be a good statement of intent taking the pressure off of some of the more inexperienced campaigners. They have a stronger batting lineup than the Royals.
In the last three editions of the tournament both the Punjab Kings, formerly Kings XI Punjab, and Rajasthan Royals have finished in two of the bottom three places. Sadly I see that being the case once more with Stokes and Archer leaving enormous holes in an already bottom four squad. If Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson do not score close to 100 between them then it is tough to see where the Royals can post intimidating totals from. David Miller has been a fading talent in the last few editions of the IPL and despite having the weight of runs behind him, does not look like bucking that trend anytime soon. Another Englishman in Liam Livingstone may be close to a chance to show what he can do and he must take it with both hands if the Royals are to compete for the playoffs.
In terms of experience, leadership and quality KKR are the bet here, in World Cup winning captain Eoin Morgan I trust so getting the Knight Riders on side is the pick here.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
KKR got this one horribly wrong tactically, Rajasthan did not have to hit their straps completely to take advantage.