Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) secured a thrilling last-ball victory against Punjab Kings and are now set to play Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their next match. The two teams will compete in match 56 of the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on May 11.
The two sides saw contrasting outcomes in their previous games, with the Royals losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 7. As the season’s business end draws near, both teams will be eager to secure favourable outcomes and climb up the table to qualify for the all-important playoffs.
Read More: Chennai Super Kings continue form, beat Delhi Capitals by 27 runs
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals preview
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will face Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the iconic Eden Gardens in Kolkata in the 56th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023. With five wins and six losses in 11 matches to their name, the Royals sit fifth in the points table.
In their previous game, they lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad by four wickets in a thrilling last-ball finish, with a no-ball proving to be the turning point. Having lost four of their previous five matches, the Royals are in a precarious position.
Read More: Mumbai Indians leapfrog to third in IPL after win over Royal Challengers Bangalore
Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders are sixth in the table with an identical record of five wins and six losses in 11 matches. They won against Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad recently, keeping their hopes of qualifying alive. Playing at home, they will look to capitalise on the conditions and extend their winning run.
The Knight Riders have won three out of their previous five matches and seem to have found a winning combination. This match is crucial for both teams, and the winner will advance to the top four in the points table. They have faced each other 27 times, with Kolkata Knight Riders having won 14 of those matches while Rajasthan have won 12. Fans can expect a cracker of a match.
Read More: Chennai Super Kings vs Delhi Capitals
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals match details
Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals, Match 56, IPL 2023
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Date & Time: Thursday, May 11, 7:30 pm IST
KKR vs RR pitch report
The Eden Gardens in Kolkata is known to favour batsmen, and it will not be a surprise if the match is a high-scoring contest. However, spinners are expected to play a crucial role towards the end of the game, and could take crucial wickets to restrict the opposition’s scoring rate. Thus, it won’t be a surprise if the captain winning the toss chooses to bowl first.
Read More: Mumbai Indians vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
KKR vs RR prediction
Considering both sides’ current form and recent results, one can expect an evenly-balanced contest between the two sides. While the Knight Riders have the home advantage, their inconsistency is a matter of concern for the home fans. Thus, one can expect the side bowling first to hold a slight edge over their opponents.
KKR vs RR probable playing XIs
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR):
Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Venkatesh Iyer, Nitish Rana (c), Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Shardul Thakur, Vaibhav Arora, Harshit Rana, Suyash Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy
Read More: Knight Riders win off last ball against Punjab Kings
Rajasthan Royals (RR):
Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Joe Root, Dhruv Jurel, Shimron Hetmyer, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Sen, Sandeep Sharma, Trent Boult, Yuzvendra Chahal
