Former India spinner Murali Kartik has suggested a key change for Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of their clash against Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens on Thursday, April 9.
Kartik believes Australian all-rounder Cameron Green has not made a significant impact with the bat, and recommended that Tim Seifert open alongside his compatriot Finn Allen. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane could then bat at No. 3.
“I will make a change. I have been saying this from the start — Finn Allen and Tim Seifert should open together, and Ajinkya Rahane can bat at No.3. I’m not seeing anything coming from Cameron Green, to be very honest. He’s not even bowling. You have a settled opening pair who know each other well, and if they start strongly on the good Kolkata surface, it will be great,” Kartik said on Cricbuzz.
In the first three games of the season, Green has played purely as a batter, scoring 18, 2, and 4. Reports suggest he may bowl in Thursday’s game.
Kartik also highlighted players to watch in the Lucknow Super Giants squad. He praised the reunion of Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh at the top of the order in their previous match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. In the first fixture, skipper Rishabh Pant opened with Marsh while Markram batted at No.3.
“The most important thing for Lucknow was that their original opening pair returned. As for Rishabh Pant, he should stay in his current position. The players to watch for me would be Mitchell Marsh and Finn Allen,” Kartik added.
After two matches, the Super Giants have one win and one loss. The Knights, meanwhile, began their campaign with back-to-back defeats, and their last game against Punjab Kings was washed out due to rain.
