(Info4now, April 18, 2022)- For Kolkata, it’s not easy to bring back Ajinkya Rahane and Sam Billings in the middle, as Aaron Finch has just entered the KKR side and it’s the main problem which KKR cannot focus on in the KKR vs RR contest today. They lack enough power both in the top order and middle overs to mark a comprehensive chase and tight defence with the ball respectively. So Kolkata might not go for many changes.
Rajasthan Royals, on the other hand, have less confusing elements in regard to their playing XI. Their overseas players are fantastic and are in absolute form. They will fancy their chances against an unsettled KKR.
Preview: KKR vs RR Match 30, IPL 2022
Jos Buttler is in terrific touch and will blow away anything short or on pad. For Rajasthan Royals he will be the key and Devdutt Padikkal will try his best to accompany his partner. Sanju Samson is not only very solid with his technique but also completely fearless in his attempt to score runs. Shimron Hetmyer is just easy on the eye when he comes to bat as a finisher.
Deep down the order, it’s not a healthy batting line up. Ashwin can bat and Riyan Parag is out of touch. If Trent Boult can make a comeback having recovered from injury, it will add something to the side they missed last time. Yuzvendra Chahal will definitely test KKR’s right hand batsmen. But all’s attention will be on how Boult and Prasidh Krishna start with the new ball.
I think, Kolkata Knight Riders will not experiment with their players at great level for this particular match. No doubt, Kolkata have to sit down with a piece of paper and design their attack. Whether they will continue with Varun Chakravarthy or replace him with a medium pacer or with a left arm orthodox is something they need to concentrate. But for KKR vs RR contest, they might allow the same XI or just go through any single change. Kolkata must bring Tim Southee in place of Pat Cummins and it’s again in the same plan that they might wait for that.
In batting, it’s just an average one in comparison to the promises of others who are comfortably getting past Kolkata on the table. As all results will come out of the current calculation, KKR’s current position in batting and bowling is under a scanner. Everyone has to gear up and touch a necessary level to remain alive in the seesaw battle of points table.
To Conclude
KKR have known the wicket well and are still in search of a victory. It’s an evening game and it’s better to chase. But the tournament is progressing and teams should defend on their days. Against Rajasthan Royals, KKR must defend a score to prove their strength if placed on the wrong side of the coin. Rajashthan will start with an edge, although current statistics are not in their favour.
Probable Playing XI, KKR vs RR Match 30
Rajasthan: Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson, van der Dussen, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, K. Sen, Trent Boult, Prasidh Krishna and Yuzvendra Chahal.
Kolkata: Aaron Finch, Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana, Shreyas Iyer, Sheldon Jackson, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Umesh Yadav, Shivam Mavi and Varun Chakravarthy.