KXIP vs KKR: Preview, probable XI, match prediction, live streaming, weather forecast, and pitch report

Modified Oct 09, 2020 23:00 IST

Can KL Rahul put KXIP's IPL 2020 campaign back on track?

With five losses in six games in the season, Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) is staring down the barrel in IPL 2020. This is despite KXIP batsmen ruling the roost on the runs-chart this season so far. While KL Rahul is currently the Orange Cap holder, Mayank Agarwal isn't too far behind at number 3.

Nicholas Pooran also showed his batting prowess by playing a scintillating innings against the Sunrisers in KXIP's last game. The problem lies with the team's bowling. The bowlers have been highly inconsistent and haven't performed well as a unit.

Another problem that KXIP needs to address is the performance of Glenn Maxwell. The Australian all-rounder's performance has been extremely poor and it's hard to see him being part of the playing XI for too long.

Their opponents, the Kolkata Knight Riders, are coming off a tactical victory against the Chennai Super Kings. Taking nothing away from Rahul Tripathi's brilliant knock of 81, it was the bowling changes enforced by skipper Dinesh Karthik that proved to be the difference in the end.

KKR's decision to show confidence in domestic Indian players like Rahul Tripathi, CV Varun, Shivam Mavi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti is paying rich dividends. Sunil Narine and Andre Russell's good bowling form is also a big plus for the team.

KXIP vs KKR match details

Date: 10th October 2020 (Saturday)

Time: 3:30 PM IST

Venue: Sheik Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi.

KXIP vs KKR weather forecast

The temperature will remain between 30 to 35 degrees Celsius. The players are already finding it difficult to cope with the heat, and this being a day-game, won't help the players' cause.

It has been a struggle for Glenn Maxwell in IPL 2020.

KXIP vs KKR pitch report

In the last few games played at this ground, batsmen have found it difficult to get going right from ball one. The pitch tends to get slower as the match progresses. Moreover, as the dew factor is out of the equation with this being a day game, the captain who wins the toss won't hesitate to bat first.

KXIP vs KKR predicted XIs

Kings XI Punjab

For how long will KXIP persist with Glenn Maxwell? Maxwell has looked completely out of sorts in IPL 2020 so far. Unfortunately, they don't seem to have an able replacement for him in the lower-middle order except for James Neesham, who has looked off-colour in the opportunities he has been provided with.

To bolster their batting lower down the order, KXIP might bring in Hardus Viljoen in the place of Sheldon Cottrell.

Predicted XI: KL Rahul (c), Mayank Agarwal, Mandeep Singh, Nicholas Pooran, Glenn Maxwell, Prabhsimran Singh(wk), Hardus Viljoen, Mujeeb Ur Rahman, Mohammad Shami, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh

With Tripathi among the runs, KKR's top-order looks strong.

Kolkata Knight Riders

It is highly unlikely that KKR will change the team that beat the Chennai Super Kings on Wednesday.

Predicted XI: Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik(c & wk), Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Shivam Mavi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, CV Varun