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IPL 2015, Match 1, KKR vs MI: Players to watch out for

After a star-studded opening ceremony, cricket's biggest festival kicks things off on Wednesday with a mouthwatering clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Eden Gardens.

IPL 2015, Match 1, KKR vs MI: Players to watch out for

New Delhi: After a star-studded opening ceremony, cricket's biggest festival kicks things off on Wednesday with a mouthwatering clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Eden Gardens.

Though KKR will be cheered on by a fanatic home crowd, MI will take comfort from the fact they have dominated this encounter in previous editions and lead the head-head-head 10-4.

However, KKR will have happy memories from this fixture from last season as they did the double over the then defending champions MI, winning at Abu Dhabi by 41 runs and by 6 wickets at Cuttack.

Both teams are blessed with several matchwinners, which is why it would not come as a surprise if KKR and MI make it to the playoffs once again and one of them eventually goes on to win the tournament.

As the two heavyweights collide, here are two key players that could make all the difference in Match 1 of IPL 2015.

Rohit Sharma (MI)

Skipper Rohit Sharma has been one of the most consistent batsmen since IPL's inception in 2008. The right hander has amassed 2903 runs with 21 fifties and 1 hundred in 112 matches at an average of 32.25 and a strike rate of 129.59. The 27-year-old has an astonishing record at Eden Gardens as his 264-run ODI knock, 177 on Test debut and only IPL century (109* vs KKR), have all been scored at this venue.

Sunil Narine (KKR)

Sunil Narine is widely regarded as one of the best spinners in the world. However, it is in the T20 format that he has proved to be the most effective. The West Indian  has picked up over 20 wickets in every edition of the IPL he has played in. With 67 victims in 47 games at an average of 16.13 and economy of 5.77, the 26-year-old has been very consistent with the ball. Narine's 4 overs will be gold dust to Gautam Gambhir.

Key stats

Mystery spinner Sunil Narine has dismissed Rohit Sharma 3 times in 6 matches.

With 6 wins from 7 matches, Mumbai Indians have the best record at the Eden Gardens among all visiting teams.