IPL 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders’ strongest predicted playing XI against Royal Challengers Bengaluru

KKR ( Photo source : IPL )

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are gearing up for another battle in the 2024 Indian Premier League (IPL). As the tournament enters its second half, RCB will be hoping for a turnaround in their fortunes when they visit KKR’s home ground, Eden Gardens, on Sunday, April 21.

The last time the two met at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, KKR thrashed the home team by seven wickets. The defeat also marked RCB’s five consecutive defeats in the series, leaving them in dire straits. RCB’s latest loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) means they are currently at the bottom of the points table.

Meanwhile, Kolkata are second in the table after winning four of their six matches. Shreyas Iyer and Co. were flying high but suffered a narrow two-wicket defeat in a last-ball thriller against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the last match. Given their dominance so far and RCB’s horror run, KKR are favourites to win the upcoming match. 

Here’s the probable playing XI for KKR versus RCB IPL 2024 clash:

Openers: Philip Salt (wk), Sunil Narine

The left-right opening combo of Phil Salt and Sunil Narine is one of the most dangerous in the 2024 season. Both are known for their aggressive game and they often give KKR a strong start in the powerplay. Salt was the Player of the Match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for scoring 89 off just 47 balls.

Narine has been in blazing form throughout the season and is coming on the back of a belligerent ton against RR. The southpaw had scored 47 off just 22 balls when KKR faced RCB earlier this season. His spin wizardry is also a big threat for RCB and they will have to toil hard to dominate against the West Indian.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Most Runs – Orange Cap Updated List

Middle-order: Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh

Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been KKR’s find of the season. The 18-year-old caught the eye with his half-century on his IPL debut, at a strike rate of 200. The Delhi cricketer did not stop there as he continued to play quick-fire cameos in subsequent matches. Meanwhile, captain Shreyas Iyer has been hiding behind his team’s impressive wins and the brilliant form of his teammates. The right-hander has not been able to make a mark this season in terms of strike rate and big runs.

Although Venkatesh Iyer did not display much heroics with the bat this season, he seemed to be enjoying his time against the RCB bowlers. The southpaw had slammed a match-winning fifty in KKR’s previous match against RCB. Even though there have been no big innings from Rinku Singh this time, he has done what he is known for. Rinku, who often bats in the lower-middle order, is tasked with the finishing role and he does the job admirably. 

All-rounders: Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh

Andre Russell has had poor outings over the past couple of years, but the big man turned it around this time around with his impressive performances in both departments. Russell is known for pulling off tough wins and has a good record against RCB. His presence in the middle order is a boon for KKR and a nightmare for the opposition.

Ramandeep Singh is yet to impress the management. The right-hander often bats in the lower-middle order and is given the role of finisher. The scintillating form of KKR’s top-order and middle-order is also one of the reasons as the uncapped Indian has not get many deliveries to face. He can also chip in with a few overs, but KKR are yet to tap into his all-round abilities.

Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana

The most expensive player in league history has not lived up to the expectations, but he will continue to lead the pace attack for KKR. The last time KKR faced RCB, Starc was expensive as he conceded 47 runs without a wicket. As the tournament progressed, the left-arm pacer showed some improvement, but in the last match against RR, he gave away 50 runs and went wicketless.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Most Wickets – Purple Cap Updated List

Harshit Rana will accompany the Australian in the pace department. The right-arm seamer has been doing a decent job so far and he took two wickets in the last match. It is also noteworthy that Rana took two wickets in the match against RCB earlier this season. Varun Chakaravarthy is the last man for KKR and he aims to bamboozle the RCB batters with his mysterious spin deliveries. His and Narine’s four-over spells are likely to be a game changer in the upcoming match and RCB’s struggle against spinners is well known.

KKR’s predicted XI against RCB:

Philip Salt (wk), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana

Impact Substitute: Anukul Roy