IPL 2019: KKR vs SRH - Predicted overseas players for the Kolkata Knight Riders

Kolkata Knight Riders are the third most successful franchise in the history of the Indian Premier League. They have won the IPL trophy two times but haven't won it in the last five years. The team led by Dinesh Karthik came close to reaching final last time around, but they were knocked out in Qualifier 2.

The franchise owned by movie stars Shahrukh Khan and Juhi Chawla would be hoping to do even better this season. They have reached the playoffs in each of the last three seasons but they have failed to reach the final in any of these campaigns.

It was SRH who knocked them out in the second Qualifier in 2018. They will face the same SRH team this time around in their first match of IPL 2019, and a win against them will be great for their confidence. Performance of the overseas players will be vital to the chances of KKR.

On that note, let us have a look at the four probable overseas players for KKR for their opening match against SRH.

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#4. Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine

Sunil Narine is one of the most important players in the history of the Kolkata Knight Riders. He is the leading wicket-taker for the franchise with 112 wickets to his name. The Trinidad and Tobago off-spinner has been very consistent with the ball as the batsmen have failed to read his variations.

He can bowl at any stage in the innings and has the ability to break the rhythm of batting team by taking wickets. KKR can open the bowling with him, in order to pick the wicket of David Warner who struggles against spin early in the innings.

He added another dimension to his game when he opened the batting for KKR in 2017. Since then, he has been brilliant in that role, as he has been consistently giving great starts to KKR in the last two seasons. If he can give a good start to KKR against SRH it will allow middle order to take their time.

#3. Chris Lynn

Chris Lynn

Chris Lynn was one of the best players in the last season of the IPL. The Australian opener played a big part in KKR's run to the playoffs last season. He was consistent throughout the 2018 season as he scored 491 runs. The aggressive batsman was very impressive in the 2017 campaign too, when he scored runs at an average of more than 40 and strike rate of more than 180.

His season in 2017 was cut short due to an injury he suffered that season. KKR would need more of the same from him if they want to do well this season.

He would want to get off a great start this season against Sunrisers Hyderabad. SRH has a very potent bowling line up, so it is necessary for them to get off to a good start. If they lose early wickets, SRH can choke their middle order. And so, Lynn's role becomes so crucial at the top.

#2. Andre Russell

Andre Russell

Andre Russell is one of the most feared batsmen in the world. The Windies all-rounder has the ability to play some blistering cameos in the slog overs to take the game away from the opposition. If other batsmen can give a good start to KKR, Russell can take the innings forward from there.

SRH has a very good bowling attack, but when Russell is in the mood, it is almost impossible to stop him. He can even add more than 80 runs in the last five overs itself which can be the deciding factor in the close matches. He is a brilliant fielder too, and you can rely on him to save a few runs in every match.

The West Indian all-rounder can also be a very handy option with the ball, as he can pick a few wickets here and there. All this combined makes him a perfect package for the shortest format of the game.

#1 Lockie Ferguson

Lockie Ferguson

Lockie Ferguson has everything to be a successful bowler in the shortest format of the game. The Kiwi bowler is a genuine fast bowler who can hit very high speeds. This ability to bowl really fast, with his great physique makes him a very difficult challenge for the batsman.

It is never easy to bowl at such high speed with a physique like him. And so, it is not a surprise that his career has been disrupted multiple times by injuries. Now that he has got through that phase, he understands his body much better. Ferguson can now bowl at a very high speed which is enough to give nightmare to the SRH batsmen.

While the Eden Gardens pitch is not very helpful to fast bowlers, someone like Lockie Ferguson who can hit the deck hard, can cause trouble to batsmen. While KKR has always relied on its spinners, the New Zealander can add another dimension to their bowling attack.