IPL 2024: Predicting Kolkata Knight Riders’ Playing XI for their clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore

In this article, we will discuss the IPL 2024 Predicting Kolkata Knight Riders Playing XI for their clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore. As the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL) progresses into its second phase, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are preparing for another showdown. RCB is eagerly anticipating a reversal of fortunes as they head to KKR’s home ground, Eden Gardens, for their match on Sunday, April 21.

In their previous encounter at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, KKR secured a commanding victory over the home team, defeating them by seven wickets. This defeat marked RCB’s fifth consecutive loss in the series, placing them in a precarious position at the bottom of the points table following their recent loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Meanwhile, Kolkata holds the second position in the table, having won four out of six matches. Despite their strong performance, Shreyas Iyer and his team experienced a narrow two-wicket defeat in a thrilling last-ball encounter against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their last outing. Given KKR’s impressive form and RCB’s struggles, KKR are considered the favorites to emerge victorious in the upcoming match. Let us look at the probable playing XI for KKR; 

Top Order

The combination of Phil Salt and Sunil Narine as the left-right opening pair is widely regarded as one of the most potent in the 2024 season of the Indian Premier League (IPL). Known for their aggressive batting style, they consistently provide Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) with a formidable start during the powerplay overs. Narine, in particular, has been in sensational form throughout the season, highlighted by his recent explosive century against RR. Angkrish Raghuvanshi has emerged as a significant find for KKR this season and is set to occupy the number three slot. The 18-year-old made a memorable IPL debut, showcasing his talent with a half-century at an impressive strike rate of 200.

Middle Order

Taking up the number four slot is captain Shreyas Iyer, who has been overshadowed by his team’s remarkable victories and the outstanding form of his teammates. Despite being a right-hander, Iyer has struggled to make a significant impact this season in terms of both strike rate and scoring big runs. Moving to number five is Venkatesh Iyer, who, despite not displaying remarkable batting performances this season, appeared to relish facing the RCB bowlers. Meanwhile, occupying the number six position is Andre Russell. Despite experiencing a downturn in form over the past few years, Russell has bounced back impressively this season, delivering stellar performances with both bat and ball. At number seven is Rinku Singh. While Singh may not have produced any standout innings this season, he has effectively fulfilled his role as a lower-middle-order batsman, particularly excelling in the finishing duties assigned to him.

Bowlers

The numbers 9, 10, and 11 for the KKR will be Harshit Rana, Mitchell Starc, and Varun Chakaravarthy respectively. Despite being the most expensive player in league history, Starc has failed to meet expectations but will continue to lead the pace attack for KKR. In the previous encounter against RCB, Starc proved expensive, conceding 47 runs without claiming a wicket. While he showed some improvement as the tournament progressed, in the recent match against RR, he leaked 50 runs without taking a wicket.

Joining Starc in the pace department is Harshit Rana, a right-arm seamer who has performed decently thus far, having taken two wickets in the last match. Notably, Rana also claimed two wickets in the previous encounter against RCB earlier this season. Completing KKR’s bowling lineup is Varun Chakaravarthy, whose enigmatic spin deliveries aim to perplex the RCB batters. The combined four-over spells of Chakaravarthy and Narine are expected to be pivotal in the upcoming match, especially considering RCB’s historical struggles against spinners.

The number 8 slot will be for Ramandeep Singh if KKR is batting first and if KKR are bowling first Vaibhav Arora can be slotted in.