IPL 2019: One change which each team needs to make before their second game

Kings XI Punjab - Bring back Karun Nair

Punjab

need

Karun Nair. (Image Courtesy: IPLT20)

The Kings XI Punjab gave a shock to their fans when Karun Nair and Andrew Tye were left out of the playing XI. While neither of them was really missed, Nair needs to get back into the side if they want to win the next game. Punjab opted for Mandeep Singh and Sarfraz Khan over Nair and though Sarfraz delivered, it's really unlikely that he can do the same against a very able KKR spin attack at the Eden Gardens.

Nair is a quality player and one of the best batsmen they have. Punjab have enough firepower up top and a calming influence and someone who can hold the innings together is who they need. But replacing Mandeep or Sarfraz won't be right. They should replace Nicholas Pooran with Nair and let KL Rahul do the glove work. They can bring in someone like Andrew Tye in the other foreigner slot for their next clash.

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Kolkata Knight Riders - Use Sunil Narine as an opener

Narine and Lynn should open the batting next match. (Image Courtesy: IPLT20)

KKR tried something different in their chase against SRH as Nitish Rana opened the innings along with Chris Lynn. While this move worked out well for Rana, Lynn soon got out unable to handle the spinner from the other end. KKR should revert to their previous combination of Sunil Narine and Lynn for the game against Punjab because Narine can get them quick runs at the top and the Punjab bowling attack isn't as good as SRH's.

Narine's batting has improved greatly and isn't as edgy as he used to be. Also, all the runs scored by him are a bonus as he primarily plays as a bowler and this move against a Punjab pace attack who were taken apart by RR can give KKR the edge in the first game. Robin Uthappa can bat at No. 3 while Rana needs to be pushed back to No. 4 which is where he's best suited, despite his great innings against SRH.

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