IPL 2023, KKR vs LSG: Experts Pick Rinku as X-Factor And Stoinis as Key Player In The Contest

The match has a baring on which team will take one or two playoff spots as Nitish Rana’s KKR host Krunal Pandya’s LSG, who are well-poised to finish in the top four as it stands.

A defeat for LSG could still see them progress depending on the results from Sunday (May 21), while a victory by huge margin will also keep KKR interested in the race as four teams could end up on 14 points.

Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif believes Australia all-rounder Marcus Stoinis – who has been firing all cylinders lately – will be key for the Super Giants in a virtual quarter-final.

“Stoinis has the ability to change the course of the match single-handedly. The way he hits sixes even on yorkers proves how much power he generates. He is a very intelligent batsman and plays according to the situation,” Kaif said on Star Sports Cricket Live.

KKR vs LSG IPL 2023: Head To Head, Stats, Record in Eden Gardens, Kolkata

KKR will be hoping to finish their last league game on a high. Win will be on the minds of Nitish Rana & Co. as they play at home for one last time in this edition. In Rinku Singh – who has been the find of this TATA IPL 2023 – they have found a new finisher.

Former India cricketer Harbhajan Singh opined Rinku Singh was the X-factor for KKR this season and not Andre Russell, which is a massive shift.

“Now Rinku has become the X-factor for KKR, not Russell. Russell’s era is gone. It’s Rinku’s time now. Even if Rinku is sent up, he can do justice to his role. He is a player of different calibre and we will soon see India cap on his head,” Harbhajan said.