KKR vs RCB IPL 2019: Kolkata, Bangalore in search of confidence and wins

The way Andre Russell started IPL 2019, it seemed like KKR would dominate the Indian Premier League season 12. But after eight games, the franchise is at number six with four defeats and things are looking murkier for them.

On the other hand, RCB’s fate has been even worse. They started with an unbalanced squad and things haven’t improved since. Their star players failed to live up to the expectations and unlike KKR they didn’t have a miraculous performance from any player.

And now both teams meet each other on April 19, low on confidence and in search of some momentum.

Venue:

A batsman’ s delight, the Eden Gardens pitch has seen plenty of runs. In eight innings the lowest score has been 161 runs. Expect the same with something for the slow bowlers.

The comeback will be stronger than the setback ?#KKRHaiTaiyaar #VIVOIPL #DineshKarthik pic.twitter.com/vAISwfV6MV

— KolkataKnightRiders (@KKRiders) April 18, 2019

Form Guide:

The constant shuffling has denied KKR’s top order to gain stability. However Chrs Lynn has blossomed and is looking in great touch. NItish Rana has flickered away while Karthik hasn’t been at his best.

The famed spin trio hasn’t fired while the pacers have looked toothless at times.

For RCB, ABD and Kohli have started producing big runs while Parthiv has chipped in with consistent contributions. Chahal has led the spin bowling department but the concern has been the pacers and till now RCB hasn’t found any answers.

NOT #TBT. #SteynGun #OneDayToGo #PlayBold pic.twitter.com/pQJfFconcW

— Royal Challengers Bangalore (@RCBTweets) April 18, 2019

Key Numbers:

• KKR is leading the head to head battles between the two teams. Kolkata has won 15 while RCB has won nine games.  KKR have maintained this lead at At Eden Gardens too. They have won six games here while RCB has won just three.

• Infact, KKR has been on the top in the recent past. KKR have won all the last five encounters between the two teams.

Don’t forget to check the KKR vs RCB match prediction

Players in focus:

With an average of 34.75 and 278 runs behind him, Virat Kohli has started to contribute strongly in IPL season 12. He has two fifties in the last four innings.

Importantly he likes playing against KKR and especially at this venue. He has 574 runs in 21 innings against KKR, the second most by a RCB batsman.

Also check the top three fantasy picks for KKR vs RCB

RCB’s biggest worry has been their mediocre pace bowling attack and they become even more vulnerable in the death overs. And this makes Andre Russell a potential match-winner in this contest between KKR and RCB.

Striking at 213.69, the KKR batsman has hit 30 sixes, almost one every five balls. How many can he tonk on Friday?