Predicted playing XI of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for UAE T20 League

The owners of the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL also own multiple T20 franchises across the globe. The Abu Dhabi franchise in the upcoming UAE T20 League or International League T20 is the latest investment of the owners. Recently, the Abu Dhabi Knight Riders named the 14 players whom they have procured as the overseas picks. In this article, we take a look at the predicted playing XI of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for the UAE T20 League.

According to the rules of the league, a maximum of nine foreign players would be allowed in a playing XI. One cricketer has to be from the UAE and a player from an associate nation also has to be included. The UAE players will be added to the squads using a draft system The below XI has been framed according to these rules. If there is a change in the rules, the construction of the below XI would be changed.

Openers: Jonny Bairstow (WK) and Paul Stirling

Jonny Bairstow and Paul Stirling will be the openers in this predicted playing XI of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for the UAE T20 League. It will be a stunning opening combination for this squad. Two of the best T20 openers at the moment, we can expect a lot of batting records to be broken with Bairstow and Stirling at the top. Much of the opposition's tactics will go into negating this duo.

Middle-Order: Charith Asalanka, UAE Cricketer and Colin Ingram

Charith Asalanka and Colin Ingram are two fine picks by the franchise. In between this duo, the team can target a UAE right-handed batter, who can also offer a few overs of spin. This would then help the franchise achieve the right balance. In Ingram and Asalanka, the Knight Riders have two players who can complement each other with their skills.

All-Rounders: Andre Russell and Akeal Hossein

Andre Russell and Akeal Hossein will be the all-rounders in this predicted playing XI of Abu Dhabi Knight Riders for the UAE T20 League. Russell might as well captain this squad. He will add balance to the squad with his bowling and will also be tasked to finish games with the bat. While Akeal's major task will be the ball, at No.7, he must also contribute at times with the bat.

Bowlers: Sunil Narine, Lahiru Kumara, Brandon Glover and Ravi Rampaul

Barring Sunil Narine, the franchise lacks a bowler who can impact an innings consistently. The likes of Ali Khan are available in the reserves but someone like Brandon Glover from the Netherlands might offer better variety. Lahiru Kumara and Ravi Rampaul will be expected to offer the experience to the bowling attack.