The lack of a renowned hitter in the No.6 position, according to former Australia spinner Brad Hogg, could hinder the Delhi Capitals (DC) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) chances of reaching the IPL 2021 finals. The teams will compete in the playoffs’ Qualifier 2. For a chance to face the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in the final.
Lalit Yadav, Ripal Patel, and Axar Patel have been used to replace the vacuum caused by Marcus Stoinis’ absence in the batting order. In Qualifier 1, they chose to use Tom Curran as an extra bowler, however, they were defeated.
KKR, on the other hand, has seasoned batsmen such as Eoin Morgan and Shakib Al Hasan playing in the lower middle order while Andre Russell is still out.
Kolkata Knight Riders
“Both teams have got dominant opening batters. Also, they have got a prominent middle order but where they fall apart is in the No.6 batter. The last time DC did not play a No.6 batter, they played an extra bowler. Which I thought was a big mistake. KKR, their No 6 batsman is Eoin Morgan, has not got any form of late and has been struggling. He’s hardly made a run all tournament and on the big occasion, he might come of age.” Hogg said
Qualifier 2 will be held in Sharjah, and the last time these two teams clashed at this site. KKR came out on top.
When it comes to the bowling departments of both teams. Hogg stated that there isn’t much to choose between them. Then with DC’s speed battery coming out on top, while KKR’s spin trio speaks for itself. The latter, in particular, have relished bowling on Sharjah’s slow surface.