IPL 2019 – Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders taking place? Sunday 7th April, 15:30 (UK)
Where is Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders taking place? Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur
What is the expected weather for Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders? 36-38c with cloud but no rain expected
What channel is Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders on? This match will be televised live on BT Sport 3
Where can I stream Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders? BT Sport subscribers can stream the match on the BT Sport app
Where can I get tickets for Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders? https://www.iplt20.com/schedule
THE STATISTICS
HEAD-TO-HEAD
All-time meetings: Rajasthan Royals W9, Kolkata Knight Riders W9, No result 1
Last meeting: Kolkata Knight Riders beat Rajasthan Royals by 25 runs
THE TEAM NEWS
RAJASTHAN ROYALS
Coach: Paddy Upton
Captain: Ajinkya Rahane
- Rajasthan Royals finally broke their duck last time out by beating Royal Challengers Bangalore after losing their previous three matches and they will now look to push on and string a run of results together.
- Skipper Ajinkya Rahane continues to struggle with the bat and he desperately needs a good knock here and they will hope to have Sanju Samson back after he missed the last game which will strengthen their batting significantly.
- Ashton Turner is waiting in the wings to start but the likelihood is that other than the inclusion of Samson, the rest of the team will remain unchanged although they may decide to bring Unadkat back into the side after giving him a breather in the hope he can come back in and find some form.
KOLKATA KNIGHT RIDERS
Coach: Jacques Kallis
Captain: Dinesh Karthik
- Kolkata Knight Riders have won three of their four matches so far and they come off another Andre Russell-inspired victory as he smashed a truly stunning 48 from just 13 balls to help chase down 205/3 with five balls remaining.
- The heroics shown by Andre Russell and their general strong batting displays have masked some of their poor bowling and there could easily be some changes there with Lockie Ferguson a strong candidate to drop out of the team after taking 2/146 from his 14 overs so far and English left-arm pace bowler Harry Gurney is expected to be handed a start.
- After playing such a draining game on Friday, fatigue could be a factor for some of the older players like Andre Russell and in many respects Russell’s heroics have salvaged victories for them from difficult positions in each of their matches so far which is going to be a tough ask for him to continue so it does need others to step up.
THE PREDICTION
Kolkata Knight Riders have been involved in four stunning matches so far and that is largely down to Andre Russell who has smashed 207 runs in just 77 balls faced. Their batting has been outstanding although they have had to rely on Russell in each game and their bowling has arguably been the worst in the tournament of all eight teams. Russell cannot keep rescuing them in every game and this could be a step too far for them here. Rajasthan have played much better than their one win from four games suggests and they will be buoyed by home support where they can pick up another victory here.
