Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

KKR vs RCB Preview Dream11. Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore Dream11 Prediction

Preview co-written by N.S. Shekhawat

Friday night of IPL sees a high-stakes match. Both KKR and RCB created excitement among fans and pundits before the tournament about their chances in IPL 2019. However, nearing the midway stage, both sit outside the playoff places.

Kolkata Knight Riders have the chance to go back into the top four. They have lost three straight games, which has halted momentum a little after building towards something exciting. Two of these three losses have been at Eden Gardens which is a worrying sign for KKR, and with Andre Russell in doubt, others have to step up. They come up against the weakest team in IPL 2019 (at least that is what the stats say), and have to fire as a unit if they are to rise from sixth.

There is not much left for Royal Challengers Bangalore now. They have to win all of their remaining six matches to stand a chance of a miracle playoffs appearance. Perhaps Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers continuing their form is something to look forward to, especially as they won’t want to finish last. Their bowling, a concern again ahead of the tournament, has been poor again, but Navdeep Saini has been a positive, and Dale Steyn is here. Can RCB put together a big team effort?

Also read: Fiery rivalry and key players to watch out for in the World Cup!

Key to a KKR win

Andre Russell was hit on the neck/shoulder at training, and could miss this game. So, with their leading run scorer missing, who else will step up for KKR? Shubman Gill proved vs DC that when promoted up the order, he can deliver, and KKR could be well served doing just that. Robin Uthappa is a player to keep an eye on given his up-and-down form, and with Chris Lynn, Dinesh Karthik and Nitish Rana all showing small glimpses of form this season, KKR need that to come together today. If they can get through Yuzvendra Chahal in the middle overs, and then finish well, they are a big chance.

Also, KKR’s spinners haven’t quite been at their best in IPL 2019. However, they come up against a side that has struggled against spin this season, so Piyush Chawla, Sunil Narine and Kuldeep Yadav (if all picked) will be key in taking wickets and keeping the runs down. Despite the fact that Andre Russell has conceded over 10 an over with the ball this season, his potential absence could mean no extra bowler to go back on (unless they pick Carlos Brathwaite), which puts the onus on Prasidh Krishna and Harry Gurney to also have good outings.

Key to a RCB win

Since they are almost out of the IPL, RCB can play more freely. Virat Kohli, with an average of 34.5 in IPL 2019, will be crucial. However, while this average isn’t bad, it is below Kohli’s lofty standards. To fire, RCB need a strong opening partnership and then AB de Villiers can build on his good form. With Stoinis taking some time to start his innings as a more matured batsman now, RCB need big runs from the other end, and Moeen Ali can deliver after batting and bowling well against MI.

However, even if they put a good score who will defend it? Dale Steyn is back, and can be a very positive addition for RCB. However, the next four points will be key:

1. Start with Chahal as Lynn can struggle against spin. Also, if you have a long on, even Sunil Narine can have an issue.
   
2. Give Navdeep Saini the other end, he will tighten the length, so it will be good to go with two of your best bowlers.
3. Don’t use Pawan Negi at the death!
4. Use Umesh Yadav and Mohammad Siraj (if both picked) in the middle overs when possible.

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Possible Playing 11

If Andre Russell is out, fellow West Indian Carlos Brathwaite could come in.

KKR: 1. Chris Lynn, 2. Sunil Narine, 3. Nithish Rana, 4. Robin Uthappa, 5. Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), 6. Shubman Gill, 7. Andre Russell/Carlos Brathwaite, 8. Piyush Chawla, 9. Kuldeep Yadav, 10. Prasidh Krishna, 11. Harry Gurney

Also read: Discussing India’s World Cup 2019 Squad

Akshdeep Nath had a tough night last game, so could make way for Shivam Dube. Also, Dale Steyn is available for selection.

RCB: 1. Parthiv Patel (wk), 2. Virat Kohli (c), 3. AB de Villiers, 4. Moeen Ali, 5. Marcus Stoinis, 6. Akshdeep Nath/Shivam Dube, 7. Pawan Negi, 8. Yuzvendra Chahal, 9. Dale Steyn, 10. Navdeep Saini, 11. Kulwant Khejroliya/Umesh Yadav

Dream11 Prediction

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Option 1:

Option 2:

Stats and Facts

• Head-to-head: Matches 23, KKR 14, RCB 9.
• KKR have won five straight matches against RCB since 2017.
• Who can forget Andre Russell’s incredible onslaught vs RCB earlier this season? KKR needed 53 to win from three overs, and won with five balls to spare.

Match Prediction

This depends on the availability of Andre Russell.

N.S. Shekhawat picks KKR to win, but I will only pick them if Russell plays. If Russell misses out, RCB might get the win.

Thanks for reading!

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