From a bright start in the 2019 Indian Premier League, things have turned on its head for the Kolkata Knight Riders who may be heading to the exit with a loss to Mumbai Indians. A series of defeats for Kolkata has left them in a slump rarely seen in their history. But the format of the IPL is such that there is hardly time to dwell on the losses as they must gear up for the first of the three do or die games. Opponents Mumbai Indians are on the rise looking for a ninth consecutive win over their favourite whipping boys KKR. Here is a list of five players we believe have the potential to change the outcome of the game. KKR vs MI Head-to-Head Record: Ahead of IPL 2019 Clash, Here Are Match Results of Last 5 Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians Encounters!

Andre Russell

Andre Russell of Kolkata Knight Riders (Photo Credits: IANS)

The West Indies all-rounder slammed some of the decision makings of his team after the six losses which do not bode well for KKR. But on the pitch, no other player is as talented as him in the Kolkata line-up as he has been in an exceedingly good form with the bat. His bowling may have dipped as the tournament progressed but still good enough to bother Mumbai. Kolkata Knight Riders vs Mumbai Indians Live Cricket Score 47th T20 Match.

Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik of Kolkata Knight Riders (Photo Credits: IANS)

The Skipper has his job on the line and last game’s 97 must have given a huge lift where he batted up the order. He is too good a batsman to come lower down the order where he gets little time to adjust. If Kolkata is looking to win the game, then Karthik has to face as many deliveries as possible because he can get the maximum returns.

Quinton De Kock

Quinton de Kock of MI (Photo Credits: IANS)

His move from Bangalore to move Mumbai assumes greater significance now with the kind of starts he has been getting for his team. Considered one of the best wicket-keeper batsman in the modern game, De Kock is crucial for Mumbai in the powerplays. If he gets off to a flier, Mumbai’s middle order invariably builds on to it.

Hardik Pandya

Hardik Pandya (Photo Credits: IANS)

Hardik Pandya has got his old rhythm back after a year after poor form and fitness threatened to derail his rise. Pandya’s batting lower down the order has got Mumbai away from trouble on several occasion and his four-over spell in the middle phases is equally important too for his team. In the 11 games he has played so far, Pandya has 264 runs and 9 wickets to his name.

Rahul Chahar 

Rahul Chahar of Mumbai Indians (Photo Credits: IANS)

A relatively unknown name prior to this edition of the Indian Premier League, Rahul Chahar has now become a key member of the MI bowling unit. He is an attacking spinner who has been getting the wickets for Mumbai at crucial junctures. Kolkata has had their weakness against spin and may not like facing the young bowler.

Mumbai Indians always find a way beating Kolkata and look set to end KKR’s run in the competition with a win at Eden Gardens tonight.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 28, 2019 02:14 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).