As they bask in the glory of a dominant win the other night against LSG, the Kolkata Knight Riders will now quickly shift their focus on their next challenge ahead. A mouth-watering top of the table clash awaits the Eden Gardens as the Rajasthan Royals take on the Kolkata Knight Riders. A quick turnaround from the last game, means KKR will have a solid momentum and a great confidence up their sleeves which would help them in their upcoming challenge against RR. Both the sides have been dominant all throughout the season and they will look to bag another 2 important points as the IPL bandwagon moves towards the halfway stage.
HEAD TO HEAD
In the 27 games they’ve played against each other, KKR have the advantage over RR with a 14-11 win record. KKR-RR matches have always been closely fought ones and the results of the last 4 games suggest the same as both the teams are tied 2-2. KKR will have the confidence in themselves to pull off another win after keeping in mind the head-to-head record and their overall season performance.
PITCH CONDITIONS
Eden Gardens has served a belter of a batting pitch since last year and the upcoming game will not be any different. In the previous game against LSG, the pitch looked slightly on the slower side due to the heat of the afternoon, however one would expect another great cricketing pitch in the upcoming KKR-RR contest.
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Phil Salt
After a tremendous performance the other night against LSG, all eyes will be on Phil Salt again to deliver another explosive knock for KKR. The tempo he has set all through the season at the top of the order has helped KKR get a strong momentum into their innings and in this important game against RR, Salt will be hoping to replicate a similar solid start.
Mitchell Starc
It is safe to say, Mitchell Starc found his MoJo in the last game against LSG as he performed his role to perfection with the tight overs in the powerplay and some excellent bowling at the death. With confidence in his stride, Starc will eye yet another impressive performance against RR where his 4 overs will be crucial to determine KKR’s victory chances.
Harshit Rana
After a small injury gap, Harshit Rana came roaring back in the last game for KKR. His 4 overs have become quite pivotal for KKR as his skillset allows the skipper to use him in different situations. Harshit will be looking for another strong performance in this important encounter against RR.
KEY MATCH-UPS
Shreyas Iyer vs RR Spin-twins - Ashwin & Chahal
KKR skipper Shreyas Iyer is essentially a terrific batter against spin and his skills will be tested against RR’s spin contingent of Chahal and Ashwin. His role in the middle order will be of someone who attacks the spinners and doesn’t allow them to settle while the RR spinners will be looking for his important wicket to get into KKR’s middle to lower order early.
Shimron Hetmyer vs Sunil Narine
One can certainly expect a heated Caribbean battle as the veteran Sunil Narine will go head to head against the dangerous Shimron Hetmyer. Hetmyer’s role in the middle order is off taking down the bowling attacks to put the advantage towards RR, however it will not be that easy against the wily mystery spin of Sunil Narine. Surely an exciting battle to look forward to.
All in all, we are set for another incredible match between two teams who have a settled unit alongside a great winning momentum. A top of the table contest where both teams will be eyeing for another victory and keep themselves right at the top.
