IPL 2021 preview: Will Kolkata Knight Riders revive against a star-studded Royal Challengers Bangalore
The 2021 edition of the profitable Indian Premier League is the 14th edition of the Twenty20 competition. Kolkata Knight riders is a former two-time champion under Gautam Gambhir, while Royal Challengers Bangalore continues to be in the hunt for its maiden title.
FollowThe ongoing Indian Premier League keeps getting intense and thrilling with each passing game. Similarly, in another serious encounter, former champion Kolkata Knight Riders face off against a power-packed Royal Challengers Bangalore in Match 30 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Monday.
While KKR is a former two-time champion, it has struggled to significantly impact the tournament of late. Although RCB is still in the hunt for its maiden title, it has shown some severe intent this season and looks like a favourite. Meanwhile, we present the match preview of this exciting clash.
Current form
While both sides have played seven games so far, there happens to be a contrasting difference between the two. KKR has a couple of wins and five losses, as it stays at sixth place. As for RCB, it has won five matches and suffered two defeats, as it is placed third in the table.
Team combination
Judging by the team combination, KKR has a tide of more bowlers on its side. Although it has equal capped talents in all departments, the bowlers would look to trouble the RCB batsmen. Moreover, it is likely to be a joint effort from KKR, with all-rounder Andre Russell resurgence to be watched out for.
As for RCB, it is heavy on its batting by high numbers. However, with more capped recruits in bowling, it would be equally effective in all departments. The likes of Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal and AB de Villiers would be the ones who are sure to dominate with the bat.
Injury concerns
KKR does not have any injury concerns. As for RCB, while it does not have any injury concerns, it is without Adam Zampa and Kane Richardson, who have withdrawn due to personal reasons.
Head-to-head
Of the 28 games between the two, KKR has won 15, with RCB winning 13. As for the 27 IPL matches, KKR leads 14-13, while for the 23 games in India, KKR leads 14-9. It would be their first-ever clash in Ahmedabad.
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Weather and pitch report
The weather in Ahmedabad would be hot, with a temperature of around 42 degrees and 20% humidity. The track would remain slightly slow, with a score around 180 expected. Meanwhile, dew might play a part, with the side winning the toss might opt to bowl first.
Probable XI
KKR: Rahul Tripathi, Sunil Narine, Nitish Rana, Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik, Pat Cummins, Sheldon Jackson, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Varun Chakravarthy and Prasidh Krishna.
RCB: Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli (c), Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, AB de Villiers (wk), Kyle Jamieson, Daniel Sams, Washington Sundar, Harshal Patel, Mohammed Siraj and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Fantasy XI
Batsmen: Maxwell, Rana, Tripathi, Padikkal- Rana and Padikkal are the ones to give the start here, while Tripathi can score at number four and Maxwell consolidating in the middle.
Wicketkeeper: De Villiers- He is a no-brainer here for his prolific form and is sure to perform at number three.
All-rounders: Russell (vc)- Another must-have in the side, owing to his rising form with the bat, can go all guns blazing at any given point, thus making him the deputy.
Bowlers: Cummins, Harshal (c), Jamieson, Krishna, Chakravarthy- All the four pacers have been in decent form and are to contribute exquisitely, while Harshal's consistent performance makes him the skipper. Chakravarthy is the only lad who can dominate with the spin here.
Match details
Date and day: May 3, 2021 (Monday)
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
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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