IPL 2019 Match Preview: M43 – KKR VS RR:The Knight Riders began the season with a bang, winning four of their first five matches. Since then, it’s all gone pear-shaped, with KKR losing five in a row – three of those at home
The Rajasthan Royals, who have three wins from their ten matches so far, are in a strange place; even if they win all their matches, it might not be sufficient to take them through to the playoffs
When: Thursday, April 25, 8:00 PM IST
Where: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
What to expect: A flat track with good bounce and pace. Humidity should be a challenge. But dew is again expected to be the game-changer.
Team News:
Kolkata Knight Riders: With Lockie Ferguson and Harry Gurney not doing enough to impress, KKR might be tempted to play Carlos Brathwaite and add some more firepower to their lower order. Kuldeep Yadav could come in as well.
Probable XI: Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik, Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Yarra Prithviraj, Prasidh Krishna
Rajasthan Royals: This is expected to be the last match for Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes this season. Ashton Turner, after his third golden duck of the tournament, might have to sit out.
Probable XI: Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson, Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Liam Livingstone, Stuart Binny, Riyan Parag, Shreyas Gopal, Jofra Archer, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni
What they said:
“We haven’t been able to capitalise on important moments in the game, that’s why we have found ourselves on the losing side.” – Stuart Binny on Rajasthan Royals’ disappointing campaign so far.
“The mood in the camp is (still) good. As professionals, we cannot let results alter our demeanour or the mindset.” – Carlos Brathwaite on KKR’s morale after five consecutive defeats.
Head to Head in IPL
Overall: Matches – 19,Kolkata Knight Riders – 10, Rajasthan Royals – 9
In Kolkata: Matches – 7, Kolkata Knight Riders – 6, Rajasthan Royals – 1
Since 2018: Matches – 4, Kolkata Knight Riders – 4, Rajasthan Royals – 0
