Defending champions Kolkata desperately need a win if they want to make the playoffs.
Kolkata Knight Riders will be praying for a win today in the 2013 IPL as they take on Kings XI Punjab at Eden Gardens.
It’s been a difficult year for KKR after winning their first IPL title in 2012, as they have lost five of their opening seven matches.
It is three defeats on the bounce for Kolkata after narrowly losing to Mumbai Indians on Wednesday and they are currently watching on as the leading pack edge further away from them.
In contrast, Kings XI have enjoyed something of a rejuvenation in the last week with back-to-back victories over bottom two sides Delhi Daredevils and Pune Warriors India.
However, things look a little tougher for Adam Gilchrist’s team as they start to take on the big boys and their lack of consistency with the bat is probably a worry.
Gilchrist himself has struggled to find any form at the crease whilst Mandeep Singh is their only player to make it into the top 20 batsmen list.
The return of South African David Miller has helped and if they can combine his form and a return to it from the skipper, then a top four finish is quite achievable for the franchise.
For the Knight Riders their lack of points is somewhat bewildering as they have put in some fine performances, with captain Gautam Gambhir and England’s Eoin Morgan looking good with the bat.
If Brendon McCullum is fit to play this should be a close match.
Watch the clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Kings XI Punjab in the 2013 IPL here.
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