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

Kolkata, May 20: Star Sports experts picked their key players for IPL 2023 match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Lucknow Super Giants, scheduled to take place on Saturday (May 20) night at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

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.