KKR vs RCB preview: Will RCB ruin KKR's IPL 2021 UAE stint even before it gets started?
The IPL 2021 is up and running again in the UAE. Meanwhile, in Match 31, Kolkata Knight Riders would be up against Royal Challengers Bangalore, as we present the preview.
FollowThe 2021 Indian Premier League has restarted emphatically in the United Arab Emirates. Meanwhile, Match 31 would see former champion Kolkata Knight Riders take on Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
KKR is placed seventh in the table, while RCB is ranked third, with just two to three wins away from the sport. As KKR decides to toil through, we present the preview of this tricky clash.
Team composition
As far as the squads are concerned, KKR has a heavy bowling unit comprising young talents who can surprise any batting line-up. The onus would be upon the top-order, comprising Shubman Gill and Nitish Rana, along with skipper Eoin Morgan, Dinesh Karthik, Andre Russell, Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy and Lockie Ferguson.
For RCB, it is tide batting heavy, which has been its traditional firepower. However, will it deliver consistently is the million-dollar question? Along with skipper Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, a lot would depend on Devdutt Padikkal, Glenn Maxwell, Yuzvendra Chahal and Mohammed Siraj.
Current form
Both sides have played seven games so far. While KKR has won just a couple, RCB has managed five wins. While KKR lost its last match, RCB won its previous clash.
Injury concerns
Fresh into the resumption, none of the sides has any injury concerns.
Catch all the IPL 2021 updates here
Head-to-head
The two sides have clashed on 28 instances, with KKR leading 15-13, while in IPL, of the 27 matches, KKR leads 14-13. Of the three games in UAE, RCB leads 2-1. In Abu Dhabi, the two have played once, with RCB having the upper hand.
Weather and pitch report
The Abu Dhabi weather is expected to be hot, with around 37 degrees of temperature and 54% humidity. The Abu Dhabi pitch is generally on the slower side, with some assistance to the spinners, as the side winning the toss might look to bat first.
Probable XI
KKR: Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Eoin Morgan (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Shivam Mavi/Kamalesh Nagarkoti, Lockie Ferguson/Tim Southee, Varun Chakravarthy and Prasidh Krishna.
RCB: Virat Kohli (c), Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (wk), Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga, Kyle Jamieson, Harshal Patel, Mohammad Siraj and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Fantasy XI
Batsmen: Padikkal, Patidar, Maxwell, Kohli, Tripathi- Paddikkal and Kohli are sure to give the perfect start, with Rahul Tripathi rocking the top order, while Patidar and Maxwell can consolidate in the middle.
Wicketkeeper: de Villiers- He is undoubtedly the sole no-brainer here.
All-rounder: Russell- While he is yet to fire big, one just cannot ignore him, as a few good hits can change the game's complexion, as he is our deputy skipper.
Bowlers: Jamieson, Harshal, Krishna, Mavi- An all-out pace attack, as all the four are in sheer form and definitely would make the most impact, despite the track being mild slow. Harshal incredible form and wicket-taking talent make him the skipper.
Match details
Date and day: September 20, 2021 (Monday)
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Time: 7.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar
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