IPL 2018, KKR vs RR: Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) predicted XI against Rajasthan Royals (RR)
The IPL is now heating up, the third and fourth slots are still up for grabs and there are as many as four teams vying for the spots.
After enduring a gutting 102-run defeat against Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders bounced back to beat the Kings XI Punjab and they should look to carry on the momentum against a resurgent Rajasthan Royals who brushed aside Mumba Indians in their previous match.
Here is how they could line-up for the game:
Sunil Narine: The off-spinner has been a revelation with the bat and he was out in full colour against the Rajasthan Royals. He will once again be looked at to provide a bright and breezy start to the innings up front with the bat. Also, he is a vital cog with the ball and will hold the key with his four overs.
Chris Lynn: The hard-hitting Australian opener has been blowing hot and cold and should be looked at with a lot of intent from KKR.
Robin Uthappa: The right-hander has looked a million-dollar whenever he has walked out to bat but has not been able to play an innings of substance. This match should be an ideal opportunity to play a defining innings at the top of the order.
Nitish Rana: He got off to a great start but then faded away in the middle phase but has looked to be back in hitting form as the tournament progresses to the business end of the tournament.
Shubman Gill: One of the young stars to dominate the headlines this season is young Shubman Gill who has impressed one-and-all with his batting in the competition so far and if given a chance will look to put up another strong performance.
Dinesh Karthik (C & WK): He might have scored his first fifty in the previous match against the Kings XI Punjab, but Dinesh Karthik has been the best batsman for his side this season by some distance. He has looked calm, composed and has been finishing the innings on a regular basis and his side would want him to continue with this form.
Andre Russell: The X-factor for the franchise, Russell's contribution will once again be very important if the side is to keep their hopes alive. He bowled his quota of four overs against Punjab and also scored a quickfire 31 in the first innings.
Tom Curran: The England all-rounder might replace Javon Searles and will be important with the ball both during the powerplay and then at the back end of the innings.
Piyush Chawla: The most consistent bowler for KKR, Chawla will be the key against the stroke-players of the Rajasthan Royals, more so in the powerplay when Jos Buttler and Ajinkya Rahane look to take on the bowlers.
Kuldeep Yadav: Kuldeep is a perfect foil for Chawla, as he is more attacking and wants to pick up wickets and he should be another threat against the normally flamboyant RR batsmen.
Prasidh Krishna: Krishna made his debut against the Mumbai Indians last week at the Wankhede Stadium and will hopefully do well on Saturday, after being picked in India A squad to tour England. He has been impressive with his pace and control and should look to pick up wickets as Dinesh Karthik throws the ball towards him in pressure scenarios.
KKR vs RR Live Score
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