The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were set to host the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the 39th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at the Eden Gardens. KKR pulled off a dramatic victory in their previous fixture against GT and was eager to continue their winning form. However, the team suffered a major setback as Jason Roy, their in-form opener, was ruled out of the game due to a back spasm.
Reason for Roy’s absence
Speaking to Murali Kartik at the toss, KKR captain Nitish Rana revealed the reason behind Roy’s absence from the playing XI. He stated that Roy had suffered a back spasm and was unfit to play. Roy’s back issue has come at a crucial time as the team needed his services. Roy had been playing exceptionally well since his inclusion in the playing XI, scoring 43 against Delhi Capitals and following up with scores of 61 and 56. His knock of 56 against RCB came in a winning cause. He has been replaced by Rahmanullah Gurbaz for this game.
Apart from Roy, fast bowler Umesh Yadav was also ruled out of the fixture due to a hamstring issue. Harshit Rana replaced him in the playing XI. KKR will hope that the replacements can step up and fill the void left by the injured players.
KKR’s form and victory against GT
KKR is currently placed in the middle of the points table with three wins in seven matches, while Gujarat Titans are placed last with only one win in six matches. KKR will look to continue their winning momentum after their previous match against GT, which is famously remembered for Rinku Singh hitting Yash Dayal for five back-to-back sixes. Yash hasn’t played a fixture since then, while Rinku has become a prominent member of KKR.
The weather conditions in Kolkata are overcast, and rain could play its part in the fixture. The pitch at Eden Gardens is known for being a high-scoring one, and both teams will look to exploit the conditions and score big.
KKR will miss the services of their in-form opener Jason Roy and fast bowler Umesh Yadav in the game against Gujarat Titans. However, the team will hope that their replacements can step up and continue their winning form. The fans will be hoping for a thrilling encounter, despite the weather conditions.
