We face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru in the Eliminator of IPL 2017. The winner of this match will progress to Qualifier 2 and meet the Mumbai Indians.

 

M. Chinnaswamy has been a happy hunting ground for us! Not only did our Knights have a record-breaking encounter the last time they were here, we also lifted the IPL trophy at this ground in 2014. Not to forget Brendon McCullum’s blazing start to the IPL in 2008 in KKR colours also took place at this venue. With history behind us, here are some numbers that Knight Riders need to keep an eye out on tonight.

 

Just nine short of 3K: Gautam Gambhir is just 9 short of 3000 runs for KKR in IPL. He will become the first IPL captain to do so for a single franchise, as and when he reaches that landmark.

 

One away from hundred: Our speedster, Nathan Coulter-Nile is just a wicket away from registering 100 scalps in T20 cricket. Having missed the last few matches, the Aussie would look to achieve this feat, if he is in the playing eleven tonight.

 

Kuldeep approaches fifty: Kuldeep Yadav has impressed one and all in this IPL season. The young Chinaman has taken 12 wickets and is just 1 away from completing 50 wickets in T20 cricket.
Also, Kuldeep has dismissed David Warner twice in three meetings and would look to continue his good form against Sunrisers’ captain.

 

The Umesh test for SRH: Umesh Yadav has a habit of gunning down important members in Sunrisers Hysderabad squad. The pacer has dismissed David Warner 3 times in 6 meeting. He has also got rid of Yuvraj Singh and Naman Ojha on two occasions each.

 

Ojha, in fact, will be wary of all KKR bowlers as Sunil Narine (3 wickets) and Nathan Coulter-Nile (2 wickets) have a good record against the wicketkeeper-batsman as well.

 

Knights dazzle in Bengaluru: When it comes to batting at the Chinnaswamy, our Knights have been pretty consistent. Robin Uthappa and Yusuf Pathan have an average in excess of 36 while Manish Pandey (35.1) and Gautam Gambhir (31.9) have scored runs every time they have stepped out in the middle.

 

We are into the business end of the tournament and the Knights are ready for the challenge!