Free IPL tips & top batsman specials for KKR vs. Kings XI

SOME might say Kolkata Knight Riders can count themselves unlucky not have two wins from two.

But when you cannot defend 178, and when you allow the opposition number seven to hit his side to victory, you must shoulder some of the blame.

A blistering 81 not out from Manish Pandey put KKR in the box seat last Sunday, but a woeful night for New Zealand seamer Trent Boult (0/47) gave Mumbai Indians the ammunition they needed to get home with a ball to spare.

Those woes were compounded by the injury to Chris Lynn, who wrecked his shoulder yet again in the field.

The sweet-striking Australian had made a stunning start to his IPL career, smashing 93 from a mere 41 deliveries in a dominant first-up win over Gujarat Lions.

But Jacques Kallis, the Kolkata coach, wrote this week in his newspaper column that Lynn’s chances of playing again this season were slim.

“We are awaiting the results of the scans to Chris Lynn’s shoulder which he dislocated on the field,” Kallis said.

“It is a notoriously difficult area of the body to heal, so these are nervous times.

“He will undoubtedly need a substantial period of rest, and may even miss the rest of the tournament, which would be desperately disappointing for him and our fans after seeing what he is capable of doing during the first two games.”

Lynn’s absence will come as a huge relief to a Kings XI outfit aiming at three wins from three.

They made short work of Royal Challengers Bangalore on their last outing, tumbling them for 148 despite a valiant solo effort from AB de Villiers.

Hashim Amla and Manan Vohra ate through most of that total at the top of the order before the in-form Glenn Maxwell finished it off with another 40+ score.

But the real stars on that night were the KXIP bowlers, as Varun Aaron (2/21), Axar Patel (1/12) and Sandeep Sharma (1/26) all removed key RCB bats while conceding less than seven runs per over.

Glenn Maxwell betting specials

Man of the match – +900 at Bet365

Top Kings XI wicket-taker – +900 at William Hill

Most player sixes – +500 at Bet365

Top Kings XI runscorer – +350 at Sportsbet

Most runs vs. Amla – +100 at William Hill

Six months ago, ‘The Big Show’ was not even a sure starter for his state team.

Now his stock is on the up in a serious way.

Even though Australia fell just short in the recent Border-Gavaskar Test series, Maxwell’s performance at number six was among the biggest positives for the tourists.

He has brought that form and confidence into Twenty20 cricket, hitting a pair of unbeaten forties at a strike rate of well over 200.

If you fancy a bit more value than what the bookies are offering for Amla, then Maxwell is the way to go in the top scorer betting.

Those who like to live on the edge might also chuck a sneaky tenner on the flamboyant all-rounder to snag a few wickets with his off-breaks.

KKR vs. KXIP match betting tips

Kings XI to win – +116 at Sportsbet

Kings XI highest opening stand – +100 at William Hill

Kings XI most match sixes – +100 at Sportsbet

We all know Kolkata have the chops to make a big score, but how will they go without their fence-clearing Queenslander at the top?

The pressure is on Robin Uthappa – dislodged from his opening role by Lynn’s arrival – to turn back the clock and rediscover something like his best.

But the big questions surround a bowling attack that needs to find some way to tie down and frustrate the opposition danger-men.

Kings XI might not have the most star-studded squad in the competition, but it looks to be functioning pretty darn well right now.

More of the same from Amla, Maxwell and the bowlers will give the Punjabis a real chance at Eden Gardens.