KKR vs RR IPL 2019 preview: KKR face Rajasthan with play-off place on line

Kolkata Knight Riders have only four wins in 10 games, and one more defeat would mean the team will have total seven wins even if they win their remaining all three games. And historically teams have struggled to make it to play-offs in  the Indian Premier League with seven wins.

So the mandate for KKR is simple- They must win their clash against Rajasthan. On the other hand Rajasthan is tottering in IPL season 12 and as their overseas recruit leave for their national duties, the team is staring at a massive challenge.

Venue:

Eden Gardens has aided the batsmen so far but at the same time, the spinners have also found some help here. Chances of a slow surface are plenty.

The last time we visited Eden Gardens, @ish_sodhi weaved magic on the pitch! ✨

Who would like to see some more of this tomorrow? #HallaBol pic.twitter.com/3nhOOzMLMS

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 24, 2019

Team News:

Andre Russell has faced some fitness issues this season but he looks fine and is poised to feature in the KKR vs RR encounter.

Key numbers:

• In the 20 matches played between RR and KKR, Rajasthan Royals have won 9 while KKR have won 10. However KKR has won all the last four matches between the two teams.

• Dinesh Karthik averages an astonishing 135.00 against RR after three innings and has an effective strike rate of 146.74.

Players in focus:

Two back-to-back fifties has pushed Steve Smith’s runs tally to 295 during this year’s IPL. After an ordinary start he has peaked at the right time for RR and plays a crucial role in the middle-order.

Watch out for his unorthodox batting style as he is a fine player of spin bowling an area where KKR’s strength lies.

Andre’s routine – Eat, Sleep, SMASH IT OUT OF THE PARK, Repeat! ????

???? Watch @Russell12A do what he does best! ????#KKRHaiTaiyaar pic.twitter.com/MWa4mlI8ap

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 24, 2019

With the defeats becoming frequent, the questions over Andre Russell’s batting order have only increased. It seems that except for the KKR team management everyone else is sure that Dre Russ must get more time to unleash his heroics.

A strike rate of 217.77 and an average of 65.33 back this claim and Jacques Kallis too has hinted that Russell may bat higher in the order. Red alert for RR?