Predicting the strongest playing XI for Kolkata in Indian T20 League 2022

Despite struggling in the first half of the 14th edition of the Indian T20 league, Kolkata made a spectacular comeback during the second phase and made it to the final. After narrowly missing out on winning the 2021 edition, the two-time champions would want to win their third title in the 2022 edition.

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They enter a new era as they will be led by a new skipper in the upcoming edition. Besides, they purchased some top-class players during the mega auction. Thus, what would their starting XI look like? Today, we shall be predicting the strongest playing XI for Kolkata.

1) Openers- Venkatesh Iyer and Aaron Finch

As Alex Hales decided to opt out of the 2022 edition, Kolkata announced Aaron Finch as his replacement. The T20 veteran would be assigned the role to strike from ball one. As for Venkatesh Iyer, the all-rounder would want to continue from where he left in the last season. He has been in decent form as well.

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He was recently seen during the limited-overs games against West Indies and Sri Lanka. Besides, Iyer can bowl as well. Thus, Finch and the batting all-rounder could go on to become an explosive opening pair.

2) Middle-Order batters and wicket-keeper: Nitish Rana, Shreyas Iyer (C) and Sheldon Jackson (WK):

Nitish Rana has been playing for the Kolkata-based franchise since 2018 and is now aware of his role. He has always batted with a lot of intent. At four, would be Shreyas Iyer, who will be leading a new franchise this time around.

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There are a lot of hopes from him. As a player, the middle-order batter is superb against the spinners. Coming in at five would be Sheldon Jackson, who has been doing really good in the domestic circuit.

3) All-Rounders: Andre Russell, Sunil Narine and Pat Cummins:

The all-rounders have always been the strength of the franchise. Their star all-rounder Andre Russell has been Kolkata's MVP for quite a while now. If he remains fit, then he could end up doing wonders for the team.

The team's blue-eyed boy Sunil Narine is expected to lead the spin attack. However, he can also play the role of a pinch-hitter. Last but not the least, the Australian star Pat Cummins will be leading the side's pace attack.

4) Bowlers- Shivam Mavi, Varun Chakravarthy and Umesh Yadav:

A lot is expected from Shivam Mavi. The youngster will be bowling a lot of overs at the death this time around. As for Varun Chakravarthy, the leggie will be crucial during the middle overs.

In what happens to be a homecoming for Umesh Yadav, the pacer will be bowling most of his overs with the new ball. The fans would hope that he has a good season. Kolkata's USP is their pacers, who can generate serious pace.