A season that has been full of strong team performances for KKR comes to close with an epic encounter in sight. Guwahati is ready to witness a mouth-watering top of the table clash as KKR go head to head against RR in the final league stage match of this year’s IPL. After rain played a spoilsport in their previous contest, KKR will be eager to get onto the field and deliver another fiery performance. RR on the other hand, will be fighting hard for a victory after 4 losses on the trot and a top-two spot at stake. Two teams who might be close in the points table but are in completely different frames of mind as we build towards a much-awaited contest where a lot is at stake.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
In the 28 games that they’ve played against each other, KKR have the wood over RR with a 14-12 lead. However, this battle has always been a closely fought one and KKR will be hurting from their previous close default against RR this season. Despite having a win over KKR, RR have a completely different mindset going into this game on the back of 4 consecutive losses and KKR will be backing themselves to get their processes right and to claim another victory to close out an epic season.
PITCH AND GROUND CONDITIONS
When it comes to assessing the pitch conditions tonight at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati, there won’t be enough data about this season. However, in the previous game played here, the pitch played a few tricks and looked to be slightly on the slower side. All season long, KKR have been brilliant in assessing conditions and having a bowling attack suited for all kinds of pitches and thus they will be backing themselves to put on a show despite any conditions at disposal.
PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR
Sunil Narine
With Phil Salt leaving for international duty, the responsibility on Sunil Narine the opener has grown and it will be important for him to continue his great form with the bat. Not to forget, he’s contributions with the ball will always be looked upon as a crucial factor and as KKR move into the final stages, Narine’s performance will hold the key for them going forward.
Shreyas Iyer
Captain Shreyas Iyer has been excellent all throughout the season with his tactical decisions and amazing game awareness. With the bat, he’s flourished whenever the opportunity has presented itself and if the pitch is similar to the one we had in the last game, his innings become of great importance. When it has been tough to score runs, that’s where Skipper Shreyas stepped up all throughout the season and KKR will be hoping for a big innings from their skipper to close out a successful league stage run.
Ramandeep Singh
Ramandeep Singh’s addition lower down the order has added a lot of impetus to this KKR batting lineup. Raman’s cameos have often gone under the radar but they have turned out to be extremely crucial in many games. He will be certainly looking to continue the momentum and finish the season on a high.
KEY MATCHUP
A battle of KKR’s spin-twins vs a strong RR middle order
Rajasthan Royals’ middle order has been a strength for them all throughout the season with Sanju Samson and Riyan Parag being the key. Similarly, Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine have been effective in the middle overs for KKR and have picked up important wickets and turned games on their own. A battle of the dynamic duos awaits this evening where the KKR spinners will be aiming to clean up the middle order of RR and look to establish their dominance in the middle.
