Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will look to embark on a winning run in the Indian Premier League when they take on the undefeated Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Thursday. They defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by seven wickets due to the energetic efforts of Shubman Gill, Pat Cummins and Eoin Morgan. But they will be wary of the threat provided by a dangerous batting unit at Rajasthan Royals.
RR topped the 200-run mark in all of his previous games and his higher order shines with great flair. And KKR is wary of the threat they pose. KKR’s Eoin Morgan has identified two hitters that KKR must target if they are to reach the top at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
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Morgan has marked Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson as the key men in the opposition ranks. RR patron Steve Smith has been dependable for two half centuries, but it is their No. 3 hitter Sanju Samson who has made the headlines this season with his sensational hitting.
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With Buttler also in the mix, KKR’s main goal would be to stop the top three, said the current World Cup-winning England captain.
“The honest answer is that they are good players and you have to get them out. If he hits for 20 overs, he will probably lose the game, particularly Buttler and Samson, ”Morgan said in an interaction.
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The Rajasthan Royals have scored over 200 points in their matches and against Kings XI Punjab, they chased a record IPL goal of 224.
“Obviously, they have a very experienced and well-trained side. I guess the challenge, from our point of view, is trying to focus on our own game to begin with.
“If we can produce a performance and improve the game, I think then that will allow us to execute strategies and plans for Smith, Buttler and Samson to try to make progress.
“Steve Smith is obviously in good shape. They have been quite successful in the limited games they have played. Hopefully we can take advantage of our game and produce our first victory in Dubai, ”he said.
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Morgan’s teammate in England, Jofra Archer, will spearhead RR and hopes to nullify his threat.
“He is a very difficult opponent to face. It’s not his hitting that concerns us. It will be your bowling alley. Hopefully we can deny that, make plans, he’s played in the IPL for a long time, so the guys know him better than before. So again, we have to play well enough to try and implement the plans, ”Morgan said.
(With PTI inputs)
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