Kolkata Knight Riders are the only team that have their fate in their own hands. A win against RR will almost ensure them a playoff spot. They will have to stave off fight against another one of the contenders who are battling their own issues. lets Analyze more about KKR vs RR match. 

KKR vs RR: Form Preview

Can Kolkata rejoice with a thumping win?

Kolkata Knight Riders set the UAE leg on fire with a string of impressive performances. They have won 4 out of their 6 games here in the UAE. KKR are currently occupying the 4th spot in the points table thanks to their superior net run rate. A win over RR will all but ensure them of a playoff spot. They will be up against Rajasthan, a team that desperately needs to win.

Does Rajasthan have a stomach for one last fight?

Jofra Archer, the MVP of last year had withdrawn from the tournament even before it began. Ben Stokes, their leading light quit post the first game. Jos Buttler, their talisman skipped the UAE leg. Their high-profile signing, Chris Morris has had a horrendous run of form in UAE. RR are one team have suffered the most setbacks this season but they have refused to give up. They have consistently punched above their weight to stay alive in the competition even now. Their Indian talent has come of age and challenged bigger names in the league. RR will be looking at its team to fight it hard one last time in the league.

KKR vs RR: Favourites?

KKR have clearly looked the best side among the fourth spot contenders this season. Their performance in UAE has been brilliant. KKR look clear favourites against a struggling Rajasthan side.

Which players will be match-winners in this game?

Sunil Narine holds a fabulous record against Sanju Samson. He has dismissed him thrice and has given away just 39 runs in 45 balls.

Evin Lewis has been threatening to make a big score. This might just be the stage for him to deliver.

X-factor player:

Venkatesh Iyer will be crucial to KKR’s chances.

Shivam Dube will be the key against KKR’s mystery spinners.

Probable Playing XI:

Kolkata Knight Riders predicted XI:

Shubman Gill, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik, Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Varun Chakravarthy, Shivam Mavi

Rajasthan Royals predicted XI:

Evin Lewis, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, David Miller, Glenn Philips, Rahul Tewatia, Shreyas Gopal, Kartik Tyagi, Chetan Sakariya, Mustafizur Rahman

What do stats say about KKR vs RR?

KKR and RR have played 24 IPL games against each other.

KKR has won 12 games. RR has won 11 matches.1 game did not produce a result.

KKR’s highest score against RR is 191. RR’s highest score against RR is 199.

KKR’s lowest score against RR is 125. RR’s lowest score against RR is 81. 

Pitch:

Sharjah pitch has behaved strangely. It hasn’t been a true surface. Batsmen have failed to get going. Teams will find it difficult to chase a par score in these conditions.

Weather Report:

A high of 36 degrees and a low of 29 degrees is expected. There are no chances of rain. This being a day game there won’t be any dew.

Ground stats:

Teams batting first have won 60% of the games at this venue. But of late owing to the dew, teams have preferred chasing at this venue. This season the average scores have come down drastically. A score of around 150+ will be challenging at Sharjah.

StumpsandBails verdict:

It is a battle for those crucial points between RR and KKR. KKR hold a slight edge heading into this game.