IPL 2023: 3 Players Who Will Be Crucial for Kolkata Knight Riders to Win GT vs KKR Match No. 13

IPL 2023: The first game of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League didn’t go as planned for the two-time champion Kolkata Knight Riders. They lost a close game against Punjab Kings. It was a rain-affected match, and KKR lost by 7 runs by the DLS method. But the way KKR bounced back, it was just epic. They played their first home game at Eden Gardens in four years. KKR just didn’t let RCB breathe throughout the game and choked them to humiliation.

Kolkata registered a big win of 81 runs to register two important points on the table. But now they have a rather bigger challenge in front of them. They will face the defending champion Gujarat Titans on Sunday at their home, Narendra Modi Stadium. That will be a big match for Kolkata, but the last win against RCB would have given them confidence. In this article, we will talk about three KKR players who can win in GT vs KKR Match No. 13.

IPL 2023: 3 Key Players for Kolkata Knight Riders in GT vs KKR Match No. 13

3. Rahmanullah Gurbaz

The Afghan wicketkeeper batter Rahmanullah Gurbaz has been the best batter for Kolkata in two games. In fact, he is currently their leading run-scorer. Gurbaz has scored 79 runs in two games at an average of 39.50 and a strike rate of 131.64. He played an important inning of 57 off 44 against the RCB, which set the platform at the start.

Gurbaz will be in for some running against GT, and the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium is just a dream paradise for the batters with the fast outfield. That may come into play for Gurbaz. He will look to give the team another good start so that KKR can stop GT’s winning streak. Gurbaz will be the one who can attack the Gujarat pacers in the power play, which can put pressure on them.

IPL 2023: 2. Andre Russell

Andre Russell hasn’t been at his best so far in this tournament. He struggled in both games, which is one of the reasons that KKR had some troubles in two matches. But everyone knows about the abilities of this big West Indian. He is a one-man show who can demolish any bowling attack in the world.

The defending champion will surely pray that they can keep him quiet. Because if he gets going, KKR is in for a definite win. Meanwhile, Russell has also delivered some match-winning bowling spells in the recent past, which will be another area that GT should look at. Normally, he comes to bowl after 10 overs and takes a wicket, which is just a bonus for KKR. He can be the player to watch out for on Sunday. 

1. Sunil Narine

If GT has Rashid, so does KKR, which also has Sunil Narine, who has been equally effective in this format. The best part for KKR is that they have the likes of Varun Chakaravarthy and Suyash Sharma, who can support Narine and trouble the opposition. He started the real carnage in the last game against RCB.

Narine will be the key for KKR in the middle order, and his bowling spell can make a difference in the game. Although, we are not talking about his power hitting with the bat, which no one can write off. On the pitch in Ahmedabad, which is known for big totals, he can put breaks on GT batters, which can result in wickets. Thus, Narine is the one on whom the KKR’s bowling will depend on Sunday.