The second day of action in the Indian Premier League includes a double header as four more sides get their season up and running. The first of those games comes from Eden Gardens where the Kolkata Knight Riders play host to the Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Both these teams will be expected to launch significant title challenges this term, and while the campaign is a long one, there is the chance here for the winner to gain something of a psychological edge on the other.
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Kolkata Knight Riders
You have to go back to 2014 for the last time the Kolkata Knight Riders were crowned champions of this fine event so their fans will be thinking that it is about time that they delivered success for them once again. They look to have a pretty decent chance on paper at least with a nice balance to their attack and plenty of depth to their batting.
I love the power that is in this Kolkata batting line up. They can actually destroy teams enough in the powerplay that they almost have a match won in that time and that is a wonderful asset to have. With the depth they have with the bat their openers can tee off with freedom which is another commodity that not many teams in the tournament have at their disposal.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
The champions of a couple of years ago are quietly fancied for another decent tilt at a title here. They certainly know how to go the course and distance in this competition because much of the squad were here when they won the title. That should give them the confidence and the belief that they can do it again.
There aren’t many weaknesses in a team like the Sunrisers but if there is one it comes in their middle order where there is a bit of a lack of quality in the middle order and if their top three don’t get runs you wonder what they will find deeper in the innings. That is the only concern however as their bowling attack looks mighty strong and their top three very classy.
Team News
Andre Russell has been passed fit to play in this match and while his Caribbean partner in crime missed the PSL with an injury, he has also been cleared to feature here. There could be a spot in the side for Harry Gurney.
Sunrisers Hyderabad have a doubt over Kane Williamson who picked up a shoulder injury towards the end of the New Zealand summer. David Warner will play but it will be Bhuvneshwar Kumar who captains the side should Williamson not make it.
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Betting
I like the home side Kolkata Knight Riders here. I think they are slightly the better balanced of the two sides with their additional depth to their batting and the power that they have both ends of it as well. I don’t see much between the two bowling units. If the Sunrisers have any edge it isn’t much of one so I must admit there is plenty to like about the home side here.
When you throw home advantage into the mix as well it is not hard to see why the Knight Riders are so well fancied here. If we knew for sure that the Sunrisers would play then that might make me think differently but the general consensus is that he is not going to play and with that in mind I’ll take Kolkata in this one.
Tips
WON – Back Kolkata Knight Riders to beat Sunrisers Hyderabad for a 4/10 stake at 1.85 with 888sport
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