Today’s face-off of IPL 2023 is Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals (KKR vs RR).
Talking about the host, KKR has revived in the past few matches to move up the table. Out of the last 5 matches played, the team won 3. Currently, they stand 6th in the IPL Standings with 10 points which is equivalent to three other teams in the points table namely; RR, RCB and PBKS. In the last match, the team showed a decent performance by chasing a target of 179 runs against PBKS on the last ball. Here on the team KKR has a very good chance to join Top Fours by winning this game.
Coming to the visitor team, RR has been playing in a very poor light with 4 losses in the last 5 matches played. In their last match against SRH, they had to face the music after the tragedy of the last over where SRH batter, Abdul Samad hit a six off the free hit to win the match. Interestingly, RR still has a chance to bounce back and retain its position in the Top Fours by winning this game. Currently, they are positioned 5th with 10 points in hand.
KKR vs RR : Match Details
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Date: Thursday, May 11, 2023
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Watch Live on: Star Sports Network & JioCinema
KKR vs RR : Pitch Report
Traditionally, the pitch at Eden Gardens is favourable for batters. Moreover, the ground has shorter boundaries which helps batsmen to hit big shots quite easily. Therefore, the game is expected to be a high-scoring one. For fast bowlers, the pitch helps in bounds whereas spinners dominate during middle overs and are more effective on this pitch. Any score above 190 can be a good total to defend. Out of 83 IPL matches played on this ground, 34 have been won by the team batting first whereas, 49 have been won by the chasers.
The toss-winning team should choose to bowl first.
KKR vs RR : Head to Head
Both teams have encountered each other 27 times in IPL history out of which 14 matches have been won by KKR and 12 have been won by RR.
KKR vs RR : Playing XI Prediction
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
- Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk)
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Nitish Rana (c)
- Rinku Singh
- Andre Russell
- Sunil Narine
- Shardul Thakur
- Vaibhav Arora
- Harshit Rana
- Suyash Sharma
- Varun Chakaravarthy
Rajasthan Royals (RR)
- Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Jos Buttler
- Sanju Samson (c & wk)
- Joe Root
- Dhruv Jurel
- Shimron Hetmyer
- Ravichandran Ashwin
- Kuldeep Sen
- Sandeep Sharma
- Trent Boult
- Yuzvendra Chahal
KKR vs RR : Best Performers’ Prediction
Best Batsman
Rinku Singh
The ace KKR batter is in full swing during this IPL season. So far, the left-handed batter has scored 337 runs in 11 matches played with an excellent average of 56.17 and a stupendous strike rate of 151.12. The batter has already proved his potential in the match against Gujarat Titans where he hit 30 runs in 5 balls to snatch a win for KKR. So, he is expected to continue his show in this match as well.
Best Bowler
Varun Chakaravarthy
The leading wicket taker for KKR is currently ranked 5th in Purple Cap standings with 17 wickets to his credit. The leg-spinner has been in sensational form this season with 3/26 in his last match against PBKS. Since this pitch has much for slow bowlers, he seems to be the best pick for the bowler of the day.
KKR vs RR : Today’s Match Winner Prediction
KKR is most likely to win the match.
Disclaimer: The prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.