Shreyas Iyer is sure to be in the mood for some emotional indulgence when his former side, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), comes to town. Surprisingly, the star batter was released by the franchise after KKR won their first Indian Premier League (IPL) in over a decade. Later, Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured a record price for him in last year’s auction and became the most expensive player in IPL history.
Iyer has been in red-hot form since he donned the PBKS jersey and took over the captaincy. He has made 250 runs off five matches this season at a strike rate of 208.33 and an average of 83.33, making him the fourth-highest run scorer thus far. In other words, captain Ajinkya Rahane, who is KKR’s highest run-scorer with 204 from six games, has scored 154.54 and averages 40.80 with this bat. Rahane’s numbers are fine but KKR fans and the team management alike could likely ponder about what could have been had Iyer stayed with them.
But Iyer isn’t without his own problems. The last time PBKS lost in such a devastating manner was in their match against Sunrisers Hyderabad while scoring 245/6. Lockie Ferguson was taken off due to an injury in his first over, but the team failed to defend the total. The absence of his presence for the rest of the season will be felt hard in PBKS’s bowling unit.
On their part, KKR will be using resources carefully. Andre Russell, one key player who could play a significant role with the ball is especially the case following his record against Iyer as well as Marcus Stoinis. Anrich Nortje now is available, and spin has now become important. It will be all about top matchups, with the way KKR selected to neutralize their former captain being critical.
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