(Info4now, March 30, 2022)– As we expected in the article of IPL 2022 Auction and in the preview of the last game, both Ajinkya Rahane and Umesh Yadav played an excellent role in the first contest of the tournament. It’s really interesting to see that the KKR camp go for them and allow them to free their respective hands and arms. While Rahane leads the chase, Umesh picks up the man of the match award. So it’s a good start for KKR as they move to the KKR vs RCB game today at DY Patil Sports Academy.
It was tough to defend 205 under the light for Royal Challengers Bangalore. It was a decent start for them as both Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli find their rhythm. They must have a look in the bench and try to strengthen the bowling.
Preview: KKR vs RCB Match 6, IPL 2022
As Md Siraj rhythmically missed the top of the off stump line on a poor turf for a bowler, an Odean Smith took away the game from RCB with his sheer mixing of power and timing. But it’s Md Siraj who will definitely test the KKR top order tonight. Harshal Patel Is a fine T20 bowler as he can keep the batsmen guessing with his variations in line, length and speed. Wanindu Harsaranga will lead the spin.
In batting, it looks just above the average for Royal Challengers Bangalore. It’s not a top class batting line. Either Virat Kohli or Faf du Plessis must have a good innings in each and every game. Otherwise, it’s going to be very tough for RCB. But we have to wait how the middle order can adapt to this batting condition. Dinesh Karthik is a talented cricketer and I think RCB will be happy to play him for four or five consecutive games.
It was a vintage start for Ajinkya Rahane for his new and very popular side in the history of Indian Premier League. What he must keep in his mind is that he must not play a Subhman Gill. Apart from sticking to wicket, having a sound technique, he must try to keep pace with the game situation. Venkatesh Iyer is at home with this format of the game. Nitish Rana is a game changer and at No. 3 he is fine for the side before any experiment takes place.
Shreyas Iyer and Sam Billings in the middle will give KKR an excellent defence and these two are the key to allow the top order to free their arms. Down the order Andre Russell is just a champion and on such a batting surface he can neutralize any routine delivery. Sheldon Jackson and Sunil Narine to follow and therefore, it is a good batting side deep down the line.
For KKR, bowling is always an interesting part. It’s superbly balanced with three pacers and two frontline spinners. As backups, Venkatesh Iyer and Nitish Rana are just more than a bonus.
To Conclude
Dy Patil Stadium to host this KKR vs RCB contest and the outfield is very fast. It being the heaven for the batsmen, it’s very interesting to enjoy bowling and captaincy. A comparative study of both the sides must offer an edge to KKR over the Challengers.
Probable XI:
Kolkata Knight Riders: Ajinkya Rahane, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana, Shreyas Iyer, Sam Billings, Andre Russell, Sheldon Jackson, Sunil Narine, Umesh Yadav, Shivam Mavi and Varun Chakaravarthy.