The game between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) & Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) has always been an intriguing one to check out. In simple words, an IPL derby loaded with some sheer & strong players who bring some great dosage of entertainment for the viewers.
The previous time when both the teams encountered this year was when RCB were able to show their calibre with their wholesome performance. From their batting to bowling, they have ticked all the boxes. But we have seen a history where KKR were known for oppressing RCB even with their epic team. So at the end of the day, both the teams are well known for their epic cricketing performances.
Venue & Time: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi, UAE. (19:30 IST)
Kolkata Knight Riders: We all know KKR as a team for its cricketing performances as they have 2 titles to their name (just behind MI & CSK). But for the past 2-3 seasons, the team has faced a rough road, be it from management or cricketing aspect, they have had some problems with it. As they possess a swashbuckling batting line-up, they can pull things off with their willow. With the budding star likes of Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana & Rahul Tripathi, the team's Indian batting core looks good. Also, with the likes of Caribbean players like Andre Russell & Sunil Narine, we can expect some top-notch all rounding performances. Also, the mystery spinner, Varun Chakravarthy's mind-boggling turners can be a highlight for the team.
Well, Pat Cummins who is not available for this phase, is the highest wicket-taker of the team (9 wickets). His absence would be a big blow for the team but there are high expectations from his talented Kiwi replacement, Tim Southee. We hope to see some swinging beauties from the man himself. With the likes of young & skilled pacers in Prasidh Krishna, Shivam Mavi & Kamlesh Nagarkoti, there is some quality pace attack. Though Eoin Morgan didn't have a good start as a captain, he can turn the tables with his smartness & calm composure.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: As most of us are familiar with it, Virat Kohli will step down as the captain of RCB after the 2021 season. Though it was expected to a certain extent, it came all of a sudden which makes it tough to digest the fact that he is not going to captain RCB & the national T20 side.
When we talk about RCB, they have had one heck of a season till now. Currently ranked 3rd, the team has reflected a staggering improvement ever since the 2020 edition, after seeing some havoc & underwhelming performances during the 2017-19 editions. Indeed, the credits should be given to the captaincy of Virat Kohli & his powerhouse team. With the new additions of Glenn Maxwell & Kyle Jamieson, they have shown their 100% class in the first half of the tournament. With the rise of the budding star opener, Devdutt Padikkal, from whom we have seen some impeccable display of batting. When it comes to their bowling attack, Harshal Patel would be the main guy who has scalped around 17 wickets, making him the highest wicket-taker till now (Purple Cap). And not to forget, a swashbuckling combination of Virat Kohli & AB De Villiers acts as icing on the cake for the team. Even the management deserves to get a good share of credit for the team's growth. Currently, Mike Hesson is the Head Coach, as Simon Katich has stepped down. Also, with the addition of new & talented players in the form of replacements, like Wanindu Hasaranga, Dushmantha Chameera & Tim David, we hope to see some promising performances from the team during the 2nd half of the tournament.
Expected Playing XI
KKR: Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik, Eoin Morgan, Andre Russell, Kuldeep Yadav, Sunil Narine, Varun Chakravarthy, Tim Southee, Shivam Mavi.
RCB: Devdutt Padikkal, Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, Glenn Maxwell, AB De Villiers, Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harshal Patel, Kyle Jamieson, Mohammed Siraj.
Stats
- Harshal Patel (RCB) is the highest wicket-taker of the ongoing season (17 wickets)
- Shubman Gill (KKR) is 13 runs short of completing his 1000 IPL runs.
- Andre Russell has the best bowling strike rate of 8.57 in this season so far. (Min 5 overs bowled)
- Shahbaz Ahmed (RCB) has the best bowling average of 8 in this IPL so far. (Min 5 overs bowled)
- Virat Kohli (RCB) is the highest run-getter in the whole IPL fraternity. (6076 runs)
- Harbhajan Singh (KKR) has bowled the maximum number of dot balls ever in IPL. (1268 Dot Balls)
Updates
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will be donning the blue jersey in the match against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). It is to honour the COVID-19 frontline workers.
- Wanindu Hasaranga replaces Adam Zampa. (RCB)
- Dushmantha Chameera replaces Kane Richardson. (RCB)
- Singaporean cricketer Tim David replaces Finn Allen. (RCB)
- Simon Katich steps down as Head Coach. Mike Hesson to be the new Head Coach of RCB.
- Tim Southee replaces Pat Cummins. (KKR)
Coincidences
- KKR will be appearing in its 200th IPL game tomorrow against RCB.
- Virat Kohli will be playing his 200th IPL game tomorrow.
Pitch Report
The pitch will be good to bat in the first innings as the dew factor wouldn't be involved. For fast bowlers having the variation of cutters, it will be effective. We can expect a first-innings total of approximately 165-180.
Predictions
After seeing the whole squad of both the teams, we can say both the teams have a robust lineup. But KKR will have the upper hand over RCB. It is because of the team's current points table scenario (7th position), which makes every match, a do or die one. So, they might show their best performance in this match, so that they can still have hopes to go through the final stages of the tournament. We predict KKR to register a win in this game...
