KKR Vs RCB: A rematch in Kolkata with contrasting fortunes
KKR Vs RCB – The IPL is set for a doubleheader on Sunday, and the spotlight is on the much-anticipated clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore at Eden Gardens.
- KKR aiming for home advantage: After a convincing away win against RCB, KKR seeks to maintain their dominance on home turf. Despite a recent narrow loss, they sit comfortably at number two in the points table.
- RCB desperate to break the losing streak: RCB, on the other hand, is in a precarious position. Having lost five in a row, another defeat could all but extinguish their playoff hopes.
- Head-to-head favors KKR: Historically, KKR has dominated RCB in head-to-head encounters, winning 19 out of 33 matches.
This match promises to be a battle between a confident KKR and a struggling RCB, with both teams needing a win for different reasons.
KKR Vs RCB: Weather/Pitch Report
In the afternoon, temperatures are expected to reach around 41 degrees Celsius, with a real feel of 42 degrees Celsius. Humidity levels are forecasted to be around 30%, and there is no anticipated rainfall.
Eden Gardens: A Batting Paradise with a Pace Bias
- Kolkata’s Eden Gardens has lived up to its reputation as a run-fester this season.
- Two out of the three matches played here have witnessed both teams cross the 200-run mark.
- The pitch itself seems to be more suited to fast bowlers than spinners.
KKR Vs RCB: Predicted Playing XI
Kolkata Knight Riders
S Iyer (C), Ramandeep Singh, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, RK Singh, VR Iyer, AD Russell, SP Narine, Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakravarthy, H Rana, PD Salt (wk)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Dinesh Karthik (wk), F du Plessis (C), Virat Kohli, RM Patidar, S Chauhan, MK Lomror, Vijaykumar Vyshak, WG Jacks, RJW Topley, Yash Dayal, LH Ferguson
KKR Vs RCB: Captain/Vice-Captain Picks
- Sunil Narine (KKR): The KKR all-rounder has been a force to be reckoned with. Narine has not only chipped in with 276 runs but has also picked up 7 wickets. His recent century against RR highlights his explosive batting potential.
- Virat Kohli (RCB): The talismanic RCB opener currently leads the IPL 2024 run-scorers chart with a whopping 361 runs. Notably, he scored a well-played 83 against KKR in the previous encounter.
- Dinesh Karthik (RCB): Dinesh Karthik has been RCB’s batting revelation this season. The wicket-keeper batsman, in red-hot form, has amassed 226 runs at a blistering strike rate of 205.45, including two crucial half-centuries.
KKR Vs RCB: Top Player Picks
- Philip Salt (WK): KKR’s wicketkeeper, Phil Salt, has been a consistent source of explosive starts. He recently upped his game with a match-winning 89 against LSG, showcasing his ability to extend his batting beyond the powerplay.
- Venkatesh Iyer (ALL): Venkatesh Iyer seems to have a knack for performing against RCB. Earlier this season, he played a crucial role in KKR’s victory with a match-winning fifty. Look out for him to repeat his heroics in this upcoming match.
- Andre Russell (ALL): The big-hitting Andre Russell has been a two-way threat for KKR this season. While he might not have batted in the previous encounter against RCB, he impressed with his bowling, picking up two wickets. Expect him to be a force to be reckoned with in this match, both with the bat and the ball.
KKR Vs RCB: Dark Horse Picks
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi (KKR – BAT): This young talent made a dream debut with a fifty at a blistering strike rate. He has continued to impress with impactful cameos, making him a player to watch out for.
- Varun Chakravarthy (KKR – BOWL): RCB’s struggles against spin are no secret, and Shreyas Iyer might unleash Varun Chakravarthy, the mystery spinner, as his weapon. His bowling in the middle overs could be crucial for KKR.
- Faf du Plessis (RCB – BAT): After a shaky start, RCB captain Faf du Plessis seems to be finding his form. His back-to-back 60+ scores indicate he’s hitting his stride, making him a key player for RCB’s batting revival.
Dream11, Team 1, Small League & H2H
KKR Vs RCB
Wicket-keepers: Phil Salt, Dinesh Karthik
Batters: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Shreyas Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi
All-rounders: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Will Jacks
Bowlers: Lockie Ferguson, Harshit Rana
Captain First-Choice: Sunil Narine || Captain Second-Choice: Faf du Plessis
Vice-Captain First-Choice: Virat Kohli || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Shreyas Iyer
Dream11, Team 2, Grand League
KKR Vs RCB
Wicket-keepers: Phil Salt, Dinesh Karthik
Batters: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, Shreyas Iyer, Rajat Patidar
All-rounders: Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Will Jacks
Bowlers: Varun Chakravarty, Yash Dayal
Captain First-Choice: Will Jacks || Captain Second-Choice: Phil Salt
Vice-Captain First-Choice: Andre Russell || Vice-captain Second-Choice: Dinesh Karthik
Who Could Win?
KKR boasts a superior bowling unit, an area where RCB struggles. This could be the deciding factor despite KKR’s last defeat. Our analysis favors a KKR win.
