The 13th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is round the corner and the buzz is on an all-time high. In the wake of it, Aakash Chopra picked the ideal playing xi of KKR on his official YouTube Channel ‘Cricket Aakash’. Meanwhile, the former India opener once played for the Kolkata-based franchise in 2009 which is why he has a special attachment to the Gold and Purple franchise.
At first, Aakash picked Sunil Narine and Shubman Gill as his openers since they did well last year opening the innings for KKR. Moreover, Narine can use the powerplay overs to his full advantage whereas Gill can play the role of Anchor and then attack later on.
In the middle order, he went with Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik and Eoin Morgan as they provide the required experience to bat in those crucial middle overs.
Andre Russell Should Bat Up The Order If Required: Aakash Chopra
For the finisher’s role, Aakash picked Andre Russell in at 6 since he’s the best fit for that role. Other than batting lower down the order, as per Chopra, Russell can also be sent up the order depending on the situation. He further talked about how Kolkata Knight Riders is on par with Mumbai Indians with regards to finishing skills.
“At No.6, I have got Andre Russell. He can come up the order as well. He should be sent when around 40 deliveries are left in the innings. Kolkata Knight Riders are almost on par with Mumbai Indians when it comes to finishing,” Chopra was quoted as saying.
Also read: IPL 2020: Aakash Chopra Picks Ideal Playing XI Of Sunrisers Hyderabad
The spin bowling attack in his lineup is pretty much very strong with the likes of Sunil Narine and Kuldeep Yadav bowling the tweakers.
Whereas the pace bowling consists of Pat Cummins, Prasidh Krishna and either one of Shivam Mavi, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Sandeep Warrier. Since all three consists of the same bowling qualities which is why any of the three can be picked.
Ideal KKR playing XI of Aakash Chopra
Sunil Narine 2. Shubman Gill 3. Nitish Rana 4. Dinesh Karthik 5. Eoin Morgan 6. Andre Russell 7. Rinku Singh/Siddhesh Lad/Rahul Tripathi 8. Pat Cummins 9. Kuldeep Yadav 10. Prasidh Krishna 11. Shivam Mavi/Kamlesh Nagarkoti/Sandeep Warrier
