IPL 2024, Match 70: Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Match Preview

RR & KKR. (Photo Source: BCCI&IPL)

Rajasthan Royals (RR) will take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, on Sunday, May 19, at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, in Guwahati.

Rajasthan were the team to beat in the first half of the season, as they won eight out of their first nine matches. However, they have suffered four defeats in a row and are desperately looking for a win on Sunday to finish second on the points table and ensure a spot in Qualifier 1.

On the other hand, Kolkata have already booked their spot in Qualifier 1 after winning nine out of their 13 matches. They won four games consecutively before their last match against Gujarat Titans was washed out. This is an inconsequential game for the Knights but they would want to continue their momentum into the playoffs.

Riyan Parag has stood out for Rajasthan this season. In 12 innings, he has amassed 533 runs at an average of 59 and a strike rate of 152.59. The talented youngster has scored four half-centuries this season. Captain Sanju Samson has also been prolific, having scored 504 runs from 13 matches at an average of 56 and a strike rate of 156.52. The wicketkeeper-batter has registered five fifties this season. However, the form of their highest run-getter in IPL 2023, Yashasvi Jaiswal, has been abysmal, as the southpaw has only managed 348 runs in 13 matches at an average of 29.

The bowling department looked really good during Rajasthan’s purple patch earlier this season. However, they haven’t produced notable performances of late. After a blistering start to the season, Yuzvendra Chahal’s form dipped alarmingly. Trent Boult has also failed to produce wickets consistently with the new ball. Sandeep Sharma has been consistent through the season, having bagged 10 wickets from eight matches at an average of 23.80 and an economy rate of 7.93. This includes a five-for against Mumbai Indians.

On the other hand, Kolkata Knight Riders have been a force to reckon with this season and their assault on other teams has been orchestrated primarily by their formidable opening duo of Sunil Narine and Phil Salt. However, the former two-time champions will be missing the services of the England wicketkeeper-batter for the remainder of the season as he has left India to join the Three Lions ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. The onus will be on the West Indies all-rounder, Narine, who has accounted for 461 runs from 12 matches at an average of 38.42 and a strike rate of 182.94. The other KKR batters have also chipped in at various stages of the season.

On the bowling front, Varun Chakaravarthy is third on the list in the Purple Cap race. He has bagged 18 wickets from 12 matches at an average of 20.39 and has a strike rate of 14.67. After a slow start to the season, the mystery spinner has been exemplary in the last few games. Young Indian pacer Harshit Rana has also bowled with steam and bagged 16 wickets in 10 matches at 20.75. Meanwhile, Narine has been at his miserly best, conceding runs at an economy rate of just 6.64.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Points Table

Barsapara Cricket Stadium Pitch Report and Conditions

The venue generally produces some excellent batting wickets in the shortest format of the game. However, in the last game between Rajasthan and Punjab Kings, a slowish surface greeted the two teams. The Royals huffed and puffed to 144/9 in their 20 overs before Punjab chased it down with five wickets and seven balls to spare. If a similar wicket is used for the next game, batters will have to get themselves set before going for the big hits. Making good use of the powerplay and scoring some quick runs will be crucial.

RR vs PBKS Probable Playing XI

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Jos Buttler’s services were missed by Rajasthan in the last game, as the England captain left for national duty. His compatriot, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, opened the innings and played a scratchy knock of 18 off 23 balls. He is known for his big-hitting skills in franchise leagues around the world and would want to make a mark on Sunday. Heading into the playoffs, the Royals should back the same XI instead of chopping and changing.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Schedule

Predicted XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Sanju Samson (C & WK), Riyan Parag, Dhruv Jurel, Shubham Dubey, Rovman Powell, Ravichandran Ashwin, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact Player: Sandeep Sharma

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Rahmanullah Gurbaz could replace Salt at the top of the order. The young Afghan wicketkeeper-batter plays the same attacking brand of cricket as Salt. If he can play to his full potential, Gurbaz can be a treat to watch. Nitish Rana looked good upon his return to the side in the game against Mumbai Indians. He undoubtedly adds more power to the batting order.

Predicted XI: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy

Impact Player: Vaibhav Arora

RR vs KKR Head-to-Head Record