KKR ride on recent win to turn around wretched record
Kolkata Knight Riders come of the back of a splendid win in their first game of the season against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The team looked solid with batting and bowling appearing sorted in a win they managed without contribution from the biggest player, Andre Russell. However, they have a wretched record against Mumbai and have odds of 2.05 to beat the Rohit Sharma-led franchise in Chennai.
Mumbai began with a loss but have a terrific side that can produce cracking batting performances even on slow decks. They are slow starters and won’t worry too much about the loss against RCB. Their good head-to-head record against Kolkata will inspire them too. They have odds of 1.68 to win their second game of the 2021 season.
Mumbai have won 10 of the last 11 games against KKR
Since 2016, Mumbai Indians have won 10 of their last 11 matches against KKR, a rather understated record against a top team in the league. Overall, MI have 21 wins in 27 matches against KKR while the Kolkata side has six.
RECOMMENDED BET: Mumbai have the stronger batting and bowling depth and have odds of 1.68 to beat the KKR side.
In Chennai, Mumbai have won eight and lost five matches including the one against RCB the other night. KKR, meanwhile, have won three and lost seven of their fixtures at this venue.
Keep an eye on…
Dinesh Karthik: The Kolkata Knight Riders wicketkeeper batsman is a terrific finisher and has a sensational record against Jasprit Bumrah, Mumbai’s bowling lynchpin. Can KKR ensure he gets enough time in the middle?
Rohit Sharma: Rohit Sharma has a great record against Kolkata, but most of it has come on the flatter wickets in Wankhede and Eden Gardens. The Chepauk surface could test his skills, especially as KKR have bowlers to counter him.
TIP: Ishan Kishan is an excellent player of spin and can be a threat on the Chepauk wicket. He has odds of 8.50 to win the Player of the Match award.
