It has been the decade since the introduction of Indian premier league and Kolkata knight riders and royal challengers Bangalore is the most consistent and famous teams in the history of the league. So far they produced so many interesting matches and are served as a great advertisement for sports. Both the teams set to lock horns once again here at Eden gardens stadium Kolkata. Last year has been the mixed year for Kolkata knight riders though they qualified for playoffs they are not at their best as they liked to be. Their lower middle order has been exposed a lot last year and their exciting young Indian players lacking consistency costs them heavily. But this time they have few additions in the lower middle order as well as in their bowling cordon which is expected to come handy this season.
RCB is on another hand also had a forgettable outing last season as they failed to qualify for the playoffs despite raining of superstars in the team. One of the major issues they faced last season is finding the right combination of players. Like KKR they too faced issues in their lower middle order but due to the addition of new players like Marcus Stonis, Shimron Hetmeyer and Shivam Dube in their ranks. Their bowling department has also got few players in their ranks like Tim Southee, Mohammed Siraj and Nathan Coulter Nile who can bring some experience into their bowling line-up.
Team Statistics
KKR clearly on upper hand as they as they have beaten RCB in 14 occasions they have played against each other in the past while in 9 occasions RCB got better off KKR. When it comes to Eden gardens KKR clearly leading the table with 6 victories out of 9 matches they played against each other. according to the currently playing players, Virat Kohli leading the run chart with 490 runs and Sunil Narine remains the highest wicket-taker between two sides with 14 scalps.
What to expect between these two sides
Both the teams have got the well-experienced campaigners in their ranks and KKR will look to get the combinations right when moving towards the game. KKR has invested lots of young and exciting Indian players and the team management will look for them to come good at difficult circumstances. The top order looks more solid with Robin Uthappa and Chris Lynn and also with Dinesh Karthik playing the finisher’s role KKR is one of the strongest batting units in this year. Also, they have got world-class players like Kuldeep Yadav, Sunil marine and Piyush Chawla who are expected to play a huge role in this match.
RCB looks like a complete team after the arrival of new players this season. Their lower middle order is always a point of concern but this time they have got some few players like Marcus Stonis, Colin de grand home and Shivam Dube who are all expected to play a key role this season for RCB.
Players To Watch Out For This Season KKR
Kuldeep Yadav
Last year the world has witnessed the tremendous rise of a young and dynamic cinnamon bowler in the name of Kuldeep Yadav. He has done extremely well for India across all formats of the game. He is elevated into the major striking bowler for India and played a huge role in India’s success last season. With the world cup around the corner, he will utilize this opportunity to horn his skills prior to the world cup.
Dinesh Karthik
Karthik has been handling a different role in India’s colors these days as a finisher. He is doing well especially in the t20 format for India and he is expected to repeat the same performance for KKR also. Captaining the side he also has a different role to play this season.
Players To Watch Out For This Season RCB
Virat Kohli
The run machine will look at this as an opportunity to fine tune his skills prior to the world cup. The best part is he will face Kuldeep Yadav and Sunil Narine which is a great opportunity for him to fine tune his skills prior to the world cup.
Yuzvendra Chahal
Along with Kuldeep Yuzvendra Chalal is also established himself as a frontline bowler for India. He will look at this as an opportunity to take his claim further in order to find a place in playing eleven at the world cup.
Final words
Both the teams have equally poised the team which can able to handle spin better can emerge as victorious.
Also Check