Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
Two points separate five teams battling for two playoff spots. The IPL 2018 group stage has been relevant and exciting right the way through, and it is anyone’s guess as to what will happen next!
KKR and RR both sit on six wins and six losses, but the journey both have taken to get here has been quite the contrast. KKR have had a win-loss pattern develop right throughout the tournament, whereas RR have stormed into contention following the promotion (by chance?) of Jos Buttler to opener, who has hit five straight half centuries.
Kolkata Knight Riders’ power was on show at Indore v KXIP, amassing 245/6, the fourth highest IPL score of all time. However, looking at KXIP’s performance v RCB last night, they are clearly a team on the decline, so it’s fair to say KKR will be tested more against an RR side that is on a three-match winning streak. Can KKR utilise spin effectively at Eden Gardens? Can they get Jos Buttler early? Can they overpower the RR attack? Three “yes” answers to these questions will have KKR fans yelling “yes” after the match.
Rajasthan Royals were in contention of finishing last just three matches ago, but led by Jos Buttler, they have turned their fortunes around. After KXIP’s capitulation last night, RR now sit fourth, and have the chance to go to third and one step closer to achieving what seemed an unlikely playoffs berth. They have been efficient with the ball in recent games, and taming the dangerous KKR line up is vital, along with a contribution by and support for Jos Buttler.
Key to a Kolkata Knight Riders win
Key to a Rajasthan Royals win
Predicted teams:
Kolkata Knight Riders XI: 1. Sunil Narine, 2. Chris Lynn, 3. Robin Uthappa, 4. Nitish Rana, 5. Dinesh Karthik (c & wk), 6. Andre Russell, 7. Shubman Gill, 8. Javon Searles, 9. Prasidh Krishna/Shivam Mavi, 10. Piyush Chawla, 11. Kuldeep Yadav
I expect RR to go in with the same XI as their previous match.
Rajasthan Royals XI: 1. D’Arcy Short, 2. Jos Buttler (wk), 3. Ajinkya Rahane (c), 4. Sanju Samson, 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Stuart Binny, 7. Jofra Archer, 8. K Gowtham, 9. Shreyas Gopal, 10. Jaydev Unadkat, 11. Dhawal Kulkarni
Stats and Facts:
- Head-to-Head: Matches 16, KKR 7, RR 9
- KKR have won four out of five matches against RR at Eden Gardens.
- The pitch could have some good pace and bounce, but KKR will still be banking on their spinners to do well. KKR’s spinners have taken 38 wickets in IPL 2018, the most of any team.
- KKR have the highest economy rate of any team (9.41) and RR the lowest number of wickets taken (60).
- KKR won the last match between the two sides (in IPL 2018) by 7 wickets.
Prediction:
Despite their shortcomings with the ball, both sides have good things going for them. At home though, I expect KKR to win and get their fifth win out of six meetings with RR at Eden Gardens.
