We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Hyderabad vs Kolkata Pitch Report
9 of 10 scores at Brabourne Stadium are above 170 runs. Although it has been a paradise for the batters, the pitch has provided enough for the wrist-spinners: they have registered a three-for thrice and four-for once.
Time: April 15, 7:30 PM IST
Injury News
Washington Sundar suffered a split webbing in Hyderabad’s previous game and is likely to be rested for at least two games. Shreyas Gopal may get his first game of the season.
Hyderabad vs Kolkata Probable Playing XIs
Probable XI for Hyderabad: Abhishek Sharma, Kane Williamson* (c), Rahul Tripathi, Nicholas Pooran* (wk), Aiden Markram*, Shashank Singh, Shreyas Gopal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Marco Jansen*, Umran Malik, T Natarajan
With Ajinkya Rahane unable to provide what is expected of him, Kolkata are likely to replace him with Sam Billings who has opened at the international level. Assigning the same task to the experienced Sunil Narine wouldn’t be a bad option either.
Probable XI for Kolkata: Sam Billings* (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Rinku Singh, Nitish Rana, Andre Russell*, Sunil Narine*, Pat Cummins*, Umesh Yadav, Rasikh Salam, Varun Chakravarthy
Power Players for Hyderabad vs Kolkata Match
Despite giving away 48 runs against Delhi, Umesh Yadav’s overall economy in this season reads 6.6. He missed his length in the final over against Delhi and was heavily punished for it. Given his recent form, it was a rare failure. With 10 wickets at 13.2, he is the second-highest wicket-taker.
Abhishek Sharma has squashed the critics with back-to-back knocks of 75 and 42, and more importantly, both performances came in a competitive chase. Although he has not bowled after the opening game, he can be called upon any time if the pitch and match situation have demands from his slow left-arm orthodox.
T Natarajan has taken two-for in all four games. He is a T20 specialist, often finding ways to strike at regular intervals.
Kane Williamson is one of the safest vice-captains in fantasy cricket. His role for Hyderabad is especially that of a sheet anchor. We witnessed his careful shot selection during his half-century against Gujarat.
Smart Picks for Hyderabad vs Kolkata Match
Barring the game against Mumbai, Andre Russell hasn’t disappointed the fantasy players. He has taken 3 wickets in 5 overs and smashed 123 runs – the most for Kolkata – with a strike rate of 173.
After the duck in the opening game, Rahul Tripathi scored 44, 39*, and 17*. He has generated bonus fantasy points with a strike rate of 169 as well as 15 boundaries.
Shreyas Iyer’s fifty may have gone in vain, but it must have boosted his confidence after a string of low scores. Chasing 216 and amidst a slow powerplay, he launched a counterattack right away.
In whatever limited chances that Aiden Markram has been offered, he has made full use of them. He has two unbeaten knocks including a fifty and the crucial wicket of Moeen Ali to his name.
Pat Cummins has not been economical but being a death bowler fetches him wickets more often than not. Above all, he bats at No. 7: the breathtaking 56* against Mumbai will be etched in our memory for a long time.
Nicholas Pooran is getting into the groove. Although he has taken only two catches behind the wickets, he has been doing the damage with the bat: 34, 5, and 34.
Also Read:
Fantasy cricket tips for Delhi vs Bangalore Match
Hyderabad vs Kolkata Match Preview
We are still in the early stages of the tournament when the teams are figuring out their best combinations. Although Kolkata are at the second spot and Hyderabad at eight in the points table, both teams will have the same number of points if the latter come out victorious. On paper, Kane Williamson’s men lack experience, but the consecutive wins will gradually weld the chinks in their armour.