Kolkata Knight Riders will have the psychological edge over Sunrisers Hyderabad but the defending champions will be wary of the visiting side’s resurgence when they clash at the Eden Gardens on Monday. Posting three wins in four games, including one against KKR in a rain-marred encounter in the first leg, the Orange Army have jumped to fifth behind the Purple Brigade with a match in hand.
It’s been a mixed bag for KKR, on the other hand, as they are still striving to be consistent in the backdrop of a controversy surrounding Sunil Narine’s bowling action as they have slipped to fourth. Both the teams landed here after playing on Saturday. While KKR lost in Bangalore defending 112 from 10 overs in a last over finish, SRH handed Chennai Super Kings a second successive defeat in their first match in Hyderabad this season.
Much of Sunrisers’ success is attributed to David Warner who has led from the front after being named skipper ahead of the season. Warner’s 91 from 64 balls in their first leg fixture had given SRH a 16-run victory in the first leg and KKR can consider half the battle won if they get the left-hander cheaply. Having returned to winning ways after securing a handsome win over CSK here, KKR have hit the slump once again going down to RCB for their fourth loss.
KKR are slated to play three matches at home beginning with SRH on Monday before they conclude with two away games. In their last outing here, SRH were thrashed by KKR and the visitors will also be keen to settle scores. However, Sunrisers’ spin bowling resources which may be a cause for concern as their main tweaker Karn Sharma will have to bring out his best, while it remains to be seen whether they will bring in Pervez Rasool who has just played one match this season.