Shakib’s KKR begin campaign today
Former champions Kolkata Knight Riders will look to strike a perfect balance under the astute leadership of Eoin Morgan when they open their IPL campaign against a consistent Sunrisers Hyderabad today.
One of the best in business in the white-ball format, Morgan took charge of an ordinary-looking KKR under Dinesh Karthik midway into the last season held in the UAE.
Running against time, Morgan-led side finished on same points with SRH and RCB but the two teams advanced on better run-rate as KKR missed the playoffs for the second time in succession.
In his first stint as full time captain, all eyes would be on the ODI World Cup-winning English skipper who will look to transform the misfiring army of cricketers and bring back the glorious days of two-time IPL champions.
Meanwhile, the Bangladesh cricket fraternity will be eagerly waiting to see Shakib Al Hasan back in action in the IPL for his former franchise (KKR). Shakib was part of KKR title-winning campaigns in 2012 and 2014 and was bought by his former franchise for Rs 3.2 crore.
In the opening match on Friday, South Africa's AB de Villiers hit a quickfire 48 as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) prevailed in a last-ball thriller against holders Mumbai Indians.
RCB captain Virat Kohli later said he believes Harshal Patel has solved the team's death-overs woes following the seamer's bowling masterclass in Friday's victory. Patel claimed three wickets in four balls in the dramatic 20th over and conceded only one run to help restrict a star-studded Mumbai to a modest 159-9.
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