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Match Details
Date: 02 May 2022
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
Ball-by-ball commentary: SportsTiger App
Preview
After losing five games on the trot, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be itching to win a game. They were outplayed by Delhi Capitals (DC) in their last game as they failed to defend 146. On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals are also coming on the back of a defeat to the Mumbai Indians. RR also could not defend 156. Although the loss has not changed much in regards to RR's playoff chances, the Sanju Samson-led side will want to get back to winning ways. KKR will also hope to turn things around when they meet RR on Monday.
Pitch Report
The Wankhede pitch has been on the slower side this season and it is expected to remain the same in KKR vs RR. The pacers will have some help but the spinners will have to save themselves from getting hammered.
Team Analysis
Kolkata Knight Riders
A team that had looked formidable in the initial stage of the tournament is suddenly finding itself in the bottom half of the table. KKR have issues aplenty to look after. Their top order, middle order, and lower-middle order are not stepping up which is costing them games. There have been also too many changes made, making players feel insecure about their places in the eleven. Umesh Yadav has also lost his potency with the new ball. But KKR will have to make these players perform as they don't have enough backups.
Probable Playing XI
Aaron Finch, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Baba Indrajith (wk), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Umesh Yadav, Tim Southee, Harshit Rana
Rajasthan Royals
The Royals have been in a good form this season. They have the team to win games. Their bowling looks like the strongest point. However, the batting has been a weak link in the games lost. Apart from Jos Buttler, only a few batters have performed consistently. Sanju Samson himself has not played to his potential. Riyan Parag's form is another concern for RR. The batter has not produced what has been asked of him. Also, Daryl Mitchell's selection over Jimmy Neesham does not look like a wise decision. So, RR management will look to make necessary amends for their next game against KKR.
Probable Playing XI
Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, Jimmy Neesham, R Ashwin, Trent Boult, Prasidh Krishna, Yuzvendra Chahal, Kuldeep Sen
Match Prediction
Conclusion
Although KKR will back themselves to make a comeback, RR will have an edge considering their recent form.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility and liability for the same.