We have opted for a fantasy cricket team based on the recent performances, overall impact, and credit points.
Kolkata vs Gujarat Pitch Report
While Mumbai lost three wickets, Chennai’s two top-order batters walked back within 2.3 overs on Thursday. The pitch generously rewards the pacers, especially in the powerplay. Thereafter, it shows no mercy, that is, once the batters turn on the heat.
Probable Playing XIs for Kolkata vs Gujarat Match
Probable XI for Kolkata: Aaron Finch*, Sunil Narine*, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell*, Sheldon Jackson (wk), Pat Cummins*, Shivam Mavi, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy
In the absence of the injured Hardik Pandya, Gujarat played Wriddhiman Saha at the expense of Matthew Wade to balance the team.
Probable XI for Gujarat: Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill, Abhinav Manohar, Hardik Pandya (c), David Miller*, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan*, Alzarri Joseph*, Lockie Ferguson*, Yash Dayal, Mohammed Shami
Power Players for Kolkata vs Gujarat Match
Hardik Pandya has gone wicketless only once in five games and his lowest score reads 27. He has blasted runs in the middle overs, rescued his team when they were on the back foot in the powerplay, and took them to a commanding total in the death overs. Hardik has overcome every challenge that has come his way this season. For his 228 runs and four wickets, Hardik will be a hot pick for captaincy in fantasy cricket.
Shreyas Iyer has been the lone performer for Kolkata with the bat. His both fifties, amidst a difficult chase, went in vain. That being said, the fantasy players rely on his consistency. His 236 runs have come at a strike rate of 148.
After his spectacular knocks of 84 and 96, Shubman Gill’s form has slipped into a downward spiral. His last three scores read 7, 13, and 0. It’s T20 cricket: form and fortune change in no time. Gill has enough talent to make amends.
Smart Picks for Kolkata vs Gujarat Match
Given the nature of the wicket, the fast-bowling duo of Mohammad Shami and Lockie Ferguson are likely to take the centre stage. They have taken 16 wickets between them, maintaining an economy of 8 RPO.
Umesh Yadav is struggling to maintain the standards he set for himself at the start of the league. After taking 8 wickets in the first three games, he has managed a mere two wickets in the last four matches. This time, however, he will have some assistance from the wicket. He took 2 for 16 the last time Kolkata played at the venue three weeks ago.
David Miller has been in magnificent touch since the South African T20 League. He has remained unbeaten in four of six games this season and has the highest score of 94* to his name. More importantly, he has shown nerves of steel under pressure.
Andre Russell was dismissed by an absolute peach by R Ashwin. He was a victim of a perfectly pitched carrom-ball. He otherwise has been consistently providing fantasy points with both bat and bowl.
Both teams have legendary T20 cricketers in their armoury: Rashid Khan and Sunil Narine. Not only are they impactful with the ball but also can turn the game upside down with the bat. While Rashid’s 40 off 21 snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat, Narine was unfortunate to have been run out when he opened in the last match.
Kolkata vs Gujarat Match Match Preview
Gujarat ace the points table with five wins in six games. They have got everything right thus far, from the top order laying foundations to scoring 12 runs off the last two balls in the epic chase against Punjab. On the other hand, Kolkata have squandered opportunities and even worse, failed to showcase collective efforts. And although they are well-balanced, they will have to punch well above their weight if they are to beat the table-toppers.
Play Kolkata vs Gujarat on My11Circle Fantasy cricket app now!
Time: April 23, 3:30 PM IST