IPL 2019 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals taking place? Thursday 25th April, 15:30 (UK)
Where is Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals taking place? Eden Gardens, Kolkata
What is the expected weather for Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals? 35-37c with sunshine forecast all day and 65% humidity
What channel is Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals on? This match will be televised live on BT Sport 3
Where can I stream Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match on the BT Sport app
Where can I get tickets for Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals? https://www.iplt20.com/schedule
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All-time meetings: Kolkata Knight Riders W10, Rajasthan Royals W9, No result 1
Last meeting: Kolkata Knight Riders beat Rajasthan Royals by 8 wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS
Coach: Jacques Kallis
Captain: Dinesh Karthik
- Kolkata Knight Riders are in absolute freefall right now having lost their last five matches in a row after a fantastic start to IPL 2019 and they run the risk of missing out on a top four place unless they can quickly reverse this slide.
- Andre Russell’s heroics continue but not enough of his team-mates are supporting him well enough and the likes of Dinesh Karthik and Robin Uthappa were among a small group of players that were given some time off this week to recharge their batteries in an attempt to spark a turnaround in form.
- There are unlikely to be any fundamental changes to the team and they even allowed Joe Denly to return to England early as they were not planning to use him, so the likelihood is that they name the usual starting eleven but hope the break in matches helps them get back to winning ways.
RAJASTHAN ROYALS
Coach: Paddy Upton
Captain: Ajinkya Rahane
- Rajasthan Royals have four matches left now and realistically they need to win at least three if not all four if they are to reach the knockout phase and this match is as crucial as they come with their season on the line.
- This is the final match for Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer before they head back to England while Jos Buttler has already returned early due to the birth of his child so the English all-rounders will be desperate to go out on a positive note and lead their team to victory.
- Ashton Turner has played three matches and has three golden ducks so his position in the team is surely under doubt with Liam Livingston waiting in the wings to come in for him in the middle order.
THE PREDICTION
There is plenty on the line here with both teams needing a win desperately. Kolkata Knight Riders need a win to half this alarming five-match losing run and their confidence has taken a clear knock. They have too many players struggling for form and it will take some Andre Russell magic to inspire his team-mates and get them firing once again. The Royals remain incredibly inconsistent but it is difficult to have too much confidence in them right now. There is plenty of urgency in their play but home advantage may just swing this match in favour of the Knight Riders.
