IPL 2018: RR vs KKR, Match Preview
Both teams are entering this game on the back of commanding wins with Knight Riders beating Dehli Daredevils by 71 runs and Rajasthan Royals beating Virat Kohli's RCB by 19 runs.
How The Teams Shape Up
Rajasthan Royals are the only side that have not made any changes to their playing eleven so far in the tournament and it is safe to say they will want to keep their winning combination going. Sanju Samson has been the pick of Royal's batsmen so far, amassing 178 runs in 3 innings and holds the orange cap for now. The Big Bash sensation D'Arcy Short has not fired yet. Ben Stokes has shown glimpses of his ability but is yet to make a major impact with the bat.
In terms of bowling, Ben Laughlin has shown his expertise with the ball while Jaydev Unadkat has been off color so far in the tournament. The spin duo of Krishnappa Gowtham and Shreyas Gopal have been impressive.
Probable XIs
Rajasthan Royals - Ajinkya Rahane (c), D'Arcy Short, Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Rahul Tripathi, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shreyas Gopal, Dhawal Kulkarni, Jaydev Unadkat, Ben Laughlin.
Kolkata Knight Riders are still looking to find the best combination for the tournament. Two changes were made in the game against Dehli where the Under 19 stars Shubman Gill and Shivam Mavi both made their IPL debuts. Nitish Rana has been the best batsmen for Knight Riders so far and has looked comfortable both against spin and seam. Chris Lynn has not fired yet. Andre Russell seems to have found his groove after the injury and is firing all cylinders. Although Narine has been brilliant with his pinch-hitting role at the top, thought he can be brought down to give Shubman Gill a chance at the top.
Kolkata's bowling line up is looking settled and threatening with the spin trio of Narine, Chawla, and Kuldeep. Tom Curran is bowling well and Shivam Mavi, bowling at pace also had a good outing on debut and took the big wicket of Gautam Gambhir.
Kolkata Knight Riders -Chris Lynn, Shubman Gill, Robin Uthappa, Nitesh Rana, Dinesh Karthik (c), Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Tom Curran, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Shivam Mavi.
Head To Head
Overall: Matches - 16, RR won - 9, KKR won - 6
At Sawai Mansingh Stadium: Matches - 4, RR won - 3, KKR won - 1
Last Meeting: 2015 - RR won by 9 runs.
Bottom Line:
Rajasthan Royals will enter the match as slight favorites with home advantage and a good record at this ground. On the other hand, if Knight Riders' key players find their groove we are in for a cracking contest.
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