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Former Indian batsman Aakash Chopra has predicted Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) ideal playing XI for the upcoming IPL season. The Kolkata Knight Riders have an outstanding combination of youth and experience in their team. While overseas cricketers bring in most of the experience, Indian players provide the liveliness of youth. The Kolkata-based franchise bowed out of the group stages in IPL 2020. The team will be keen to add one more trophy to their tally of two titles they won in 2012 and 2014.
Chopra went for an Indian opening combination, with captain Eoin Morgan as the only overseas cricketer in the top five. Chopra believes that young Shubman Gill should open the innings for KKR alongside Rahul Tripathi. He further added that Nitish Rana, who recently recovered from COVID-19, should occupy the No.3 spot. Captain Eoin Morgan and wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Karthik can come in at No.4 and No.5, respectively. KKR's batting looks sturdy and can give many bowling attacks a run for their money in the upcoming IPL season.
Aakash Chopra anticipates KKR's bowling unit for IPL 2021
Aakash Chopra kept West Indies all-rounder Andre Russell at the No.6 spot, followed by Pat Cummins. Cummins did not have a great season with the ball last year, but he indeed showed his big-hitting prowess. The cricketer-turned-commentator feels that Pat Cummins can play the big-hitters role at number 7 for the Kolkata based franchise.
Chopra feels that Varun Chakravarthy and Prasidh Krishna should be two Indian bowlers in the Kolkata Knight Riders bowling attack. The former KKR player believes that the franchise can either choose between Lockie Ferguson's pace or the spin duo of Sunil Narine and Shakib Al Hasan as the fourth overseas option. The 43-year-old signed off by stating that the KKR should entertain the thought of leaving out Sunil Narine if he is not at the top of his game. The inclusion of Shakib Al Hasan in the team has given the Knight Riders a great backup option for Sunil Narine and Andre Russell. The Kolkata Knight Riders will play their first IPL match on 11th April 2021 against the Sun Risers Hyderabad.
Aakash Chopra's predicted KKR playing XI
Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik, Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav Lockie Ferguson/Sunil Narine/Shakib Al Hasan.