KKR Vs RR Preview : Mighty KKR Face On Resilient Rajasthan Royals

KKR VS RR Preview

KKR and RR are on the same page last season as both the teams have not got a bright start but managed to qualify for the playoffs despite lots of hurdles. Both the teams look interesting on paper as they have exciting young Indian players from both the ends. KKR’s lower middle order and pace bowling got exposed last season and the team management seems to have learned lessons from that and they have added few players who can able to come good at difficult situations of the game.  Players like Carlos Brathwaite and Lockie Ferguson has got enough firepower and variety in their bowling attack which is expected to come handy along with their top class spin bowling attack.

RR, on the other hand, has found it difficult to find the right combination last year and this time they have got few exciting players like Oshane Thomas, Aston turner and Liam Livingstone through auction. The team has also bolstered with the return of their regular captain Steve Smith which can add enough firepower in their top order. Along with Jos Butler and India’s test vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane, the team is expected to do well like last season. Their spin bowling is the point of concern as they didn’t have major names but like last year collective effort can bring better results.

Team Statistics

KKR Vs RR Previewimage source

When it comes to team statistics both the teams have won each 9 times when they face each other in 19 occasions. But when it comes to Eden gardens KKR took clear advantage as they have won 6 out of 8 matches they played against each other which is a phenomenal record. RR has to consider this poor record and have to make their plans accordingly. On the currently playing players, Ajinkya Rahane leads the run chart with 299 runs and Sunil Narine leads the wickets column with 7 wickets.

What to expect between these two sides

KKR Vs RR Previewimage source

KKR will look to continue the winning momentum against Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens. The team will look at their top order to come good against RR bowling line-up. With the spin, bowling is the major weapon they have got the world class spinners who are expected to come hard against mighty Rajasthan Royals batting line up. Their fast bowling also got some exciting Indian prospects like Kamlesh Nagarkodi and Shivam Mavi along with experienced campaigners like Lockie Ferguson and Carlos Braithwaite.

RR is always a team that has some surprise in their line-up. They have got the habit of identifying the literally unknown players and make them as a surprise weapon. With few value-added additions and return of their regular captain will boost the side a lot and they are expected to make a mark as they did in last season.

Players To Watch Out For KKR

Chris Lynn

 

Chris Lynnimage source

One of the most destructive openers in currently playing players Chris Lynn has nothing to prove. Coming from the injury and diminishing world cup chances he will look to make a mark in this season of the IPL. He is known for providing flying start and he has successfully done in the last few seasons for KKR. He is expected to repeat the same performance this season also.

Andre Russell

Andre Russellimage source

One of the hard-hitting all-rounders across the globe Andre Russell needs no introduction to IPL. His past performance speaks the volumes of his caliber and he will look this as an opportunity to showcase his fitness and form and earn a ticket for the world cup this July. His hard-hitting abilities at lower middle order and his handy medium pace are always worth for any team and KKR will look at him to deliver the strong performance in order to emerge as victorious.

Players To Watch Out For RR

Ajinkya Rahane

 

Ajinkya Rahaneimage source

India’s test batsmen Ajinkya Rahane has expressed his displeasure of getting lack of opportunities in order to cement his place in Indian limited over’s side. He will look to take this an opportunity to showcase his talent and impress the selectors. With diminishing, world cup chances and the return of steve smith will release a lot of pressure on him and he is expected to play a huge role in Rajasthan’s fortune this season.

Jofra Archer

Jofra Archerimage source

Jofra Archer is a complete package with his extra pace and accurate pace bowling along with his six hitting abilities down the order. He will look to continue his rich vein of form that he has showcased at various t20 leagues across the globe.

Final Words

With world class spinners on their ranks and Kolkata pitch traditionally suits for spinners will help KKR to emerge victorious if they play up to their potential.

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