IPL 2020: KKR vs SRH Game Plan 2 – Spin in powerplay could hold the key against a top-heavy SRH

KKR vs SRH – The eighth match of the IPL 2020 tournament between the blockbuster teams, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad, could all be about match-ups. We take a look at a key game plan that could play a role in the eighth game of IPL 2020.

KKR vs SRH Game Plan – Throw an extra over of spin against SRH’s top-order

KKR have been struggling during the Powerplay overs for the past couple of seasons. It is not a new source of information but it might be high time for the 2-time IPL champions to have a look at this issue and find a short term remedy against SRH. Through the last two IPLs, KKR have only taken 29 wickets during the first six overs and maintained an economy rate of 8.1 runs per over. This trend came up against Mumbai Indians in game one too where they conceded 59 runs in the first six overs, taking just one wicket.

With SRH known to be top-heavy, KKR could bowl try and bowl one or two overs of Sunil Narine and Kuldeep Yadav during the Powerplay. Bowling spinners during the first six overs is often considered risky but it nothing new for someone like Sunil Narine. Narine has been less effective ever since he remodeled his action but the mystery spinner has still managed to eke out economical overs for KKR. With the exception of David Warner, Sunil Narine has kept it quiet against three other top SRH batsmen. Even in the last match, Narine bowled two terrific overs to round off his spell with figures of 4-0-22-1.

Meanwhile, Kuldeep Yadav can be a wicket-taking option against SRH even though he has been struggling to dismiss batsmen since in the IPL for two seasons in a row. After all, Kuldeep has pretty decent statistics against batsmen like Jonny Bairstow, Kane Williamson and Manish Pandey. Just like Narine’s statistics, Kuldeep’s numbers have also been affected by David Warner who has operated at an amazing level. It is imperative that Kuldeep returns to his best after his poor show against Mumbai Indians as Yuzvendra Chahal showed quality spin could do against the SRH top-order.

ALSO READ: Before the KKR vs SRH game, catch up on Warner, the IPL maestro and Game Plan 1 – Rashid to KKR hitters

 

It is also obvious that KKR can’t afford to bowl Sunil Narine and Kuldeep in tandem during the first six overs. One of these two spinners have to be accompanied by either Pat Cummins or Shivam Mavi. Both the pacers can crank up the speed guns which could cause some issues for Warner and Bairstow as they have been found wanting on occasion against quick bowlers. Mavi was pretty impressive against Mumbai while Cummins wasn’t at his best which could have possibly been due to a lack of practice.