Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will host Rajasthan Royals in the 49th match of the Indian Premier League 2018. Both of these teams stand at a crucial junction after winning six matches out of the twelve they have played. Thus, both of these teams would not like to give a sniff to each other in this imperative battle which is going to take them to playoffs leg
Both of these teams have two matches left. Thus, leaders of respective teams in the form of Dinesh Karthik and Ajinkya Rahane will want the best from their players.
Moreover, it is like a final lap in the race and both these captains will want their players to run in their topmost gear.
For Rajasthan, it is a one-man show thus far. Jos Buttler is the real catalyst who is responsible for the change in fortunes of Royals.
The England combative batsman has scored five consecutive half-centuries in the last three matches.
Moreover, Buttler is instrumental in the success of Royals in the last three wins.
However, the inaugural champions would be aware of the fact that cricket is a team game.
Consequently, the team would not like to lean on the back of their wicketkeeper-batsman.
For Knight Riders, it is more of a team effort. The young players have stood up to challenges and it is one of biggest positives.
However, Karthik will want more from his bowling battery which has looked wayward.
One of the concerns for the Men in Purple would be the form of Robin Uthappa. However, the flamboyant batsman has looked in fine touch he has failed to convert his scores into match-winning performances.
Uthappa is one of KKR’s linchpins and it is imperative that he gets a big score on his given day.
The hosts- Kolkata Knight Riders are sweating over the fitness of teenage speedster Shivam Mavi.
However, call on the participation of the Under-19 bowler would be taken before the game.
Pitch Report: The Eden Garden pitch provides good pace and bounce. Thus, both teams will like to load their team with the fast bowlers.
However, one can never take away the contribution of a spinner in a Twenty20 game.
Weather Forecast:
The rains gods are pouring down in Kolkata, in the last couple of days. Rain is forecasted on Tuesday (May 15) during day-time but it is expected to clear during the match.
Head-to-Head:
It is even battle on the head-to-head count. Both teams have won seven matches against each other. However, the hosts hold an advantage in their own backyard as they have managed to win four whereas visitors have won a solitary contest.
Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted XI: Sunil Narine, Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), Andre Russell, Shubman Gill, Tom Curran, Shivam Mavi, Piyush Chawla, and Prasidh Krishna.
Rajasthan Royals Predicted XI: D’Arcy Short, Jos Buttler (wk), Ajinkya Rahane (c), Sanju Samson, Ben Stokes, Stuart Binny, Jofra Archer, Krishnappa Gowtham, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat and Dhawal Kulkarni.
