KKR look to bounce back

Kolkata (PTI): Their title defence in danger, a struggling Kolkata Knight Riders desperately need a win against a resurgent Kings XI Punjab here on Friday, in order to revive their fortunes in the Pepsi India Premier League 6. After slumping to its fifth loss in as many as seven matches, including a hattrick of defeats after going down to Mumbai Indians, the Knight Riders have a difficult task ahead as they have slipped to the seventh spot with just four points. It's quite certain that the Knight Riders may miss out on the injured trio of Jacques Kallis (twisted right knee), Manoj Tiwary (split webbing) and Laxmi Ratan Shukla (ligament tear). The injury problem maybe a blessing in disguise for explosive Kiwi batsman Brendon McCullum, while Ryan ten Doeschate, Manvinder Bisla and Mohammad Shami Ahmed will certainly be in the spotlight. On the other hand, the Kings XI might be one of the weakest teams in the competition but they have got into a winning momentum especially after their comfortable five-wicket win over Delhi Daredevils in their last game.