IPL 2018, Match 3: Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) Predicted 11 to face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

Middle order and wicketkeeper - Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik

Karthik will be at the team's helm

The no. 4 batting position is likely to be filled by skipper Dinesh Karthik, who has consistently delivered as a wicketkeeper-batsman in Indian domestic cricket. The Tamil Nadu cricketer has been useful as a middle-order batsman and as Gautam Gambhir’s successor, he will be under pressure to deliver as a captain and batsman both.

Recently, it was confirmed by Uthappa himself that the keeper’s gloves this year will be donned by Karthik.

Nitish Rana, who was very impressive for the Mumbai Indians last year, is likely to bat at no. 5 for KKR. The southpaw was one of the most valuable players of the tournament last year and also won his side a couple of matches single-handedly. It is thus imperative that KKR try him on no. 5 this season as well.