Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders face each other in match number 30 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 season on Monday. The match is being held at the Brabourne in Mumbai. RR have three wins from five games, losing two of their last three matches. Meanwhile, KKR are in a spot of bother after losing two successive games. They have won three and lost three.
This is a massive game for both sides as they seek two valuable points and make their presence on the table. Here we present a complete analysis.
Analysis of RR
RR suffered a defeat versus GT in their previous game, failing to chase down 193. Besides Jos Buttler’s 54 and Shimron Hetmyer’s 29, the batting unit of RR failed to stand tall. RR are a strong side and the core set of batters will aim to deliver. Buttler and Hetmyer are the key assets of this side. A lot revolves around their offerings. RR have a solid unit with Sanju Samson, Devdutt Padikkal, and Rassie van der Dussen in the mix. This might be the game everyone clicks as KKR have been awful with the ball in the last two matches.
With the ball, RR will hope Trent Boult is available. He had suffered a niggle. Prasish Krishna is a rising bowler and his exploits could be key. Kuldeep Sen is an interesting bowler and can be the surprise element. In Yuzvendra Chahal and R Ashwin, RR promise to have two upbeat spinners who can change the game. James Neesham could continue for RR if Boult misses out.
Analysis of KKR
The Shreyas Iyer-led KKR need to bounce back from the telling defeat versus DC and SRH respectively. Bowling wise, KKR have to step up after giving away plenty of runs. Sunil Narine has been at his best, not giving away much and keeping things in check. However, bowlers need to work on the pressure he creates. Umesh Yadav can be useful in the powerplay overs. Andre Russell has shown he can pick up wickets. However, the rest of the attack is a worry. Varun Chakravarthy is having a torrid season. Pat Cummins has not provided enough. Also, KKR lack a solid sixth bowler.
KKR roped in Aaron Finch in the previous game but the move backfired. The Aussie skipper will hope he can justify his selection at the top. Venkatesh Iyer has struggled and it remains to be seen if KKR push Sunil Narine atop and use Iyer as a finisher. Also, Shreyas Iyer cannot keep playing rash shots. He is the skipper and needs to lead by example. Nitish Rana and Andre Russell are the powerful names. A lot revolves around these two senior men.
Head-to-head record
Both teams have faced each other on 25 occasions in IPL (including one abandoned fixture). KKR have won on 13 occasions, with RR sealing 11 wins. Since 2020, KKR enjoy a 3-1 record in wins over RR.
What is the expected playing XI of both sides?
RR predicted playing XI: Jos Buttler, Devdutt Padikkal, Sanju Samson (c & wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Shimron Hetmyer, Riyan Parag, J Neesham, Kuldeep Sen, R Ashwin, Prasidh Krishna, Yuzvendra Chahal
KKR predicted playing XI: Aaron Finch, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Sheldon Jackson (wk), Pat Cummins, Umesh Yadav, Shivam Mavi, Varun Chakravarthy
Which team is the predicted winner?
RR are the clear favorites to win this clash. KKR have been inconsistent with the bat and RR’s spinners can have a lasting impact. With Chahal in fine form, KKR could struggle. Also, KKR’s bowling has been poor of late and something needs to change. We put pur money on RR.
Key details about the pitch, timing, and TV listing
Brabourne has hosted 7 matches this season in the IPL. The chasing side has claimed wins on four occasions. It is a belter of a wicket for batting with 190-plus as the average first innings total this season. So expect a run-feast here on Monday. The match will be telecast live on the Star Sports Network. Viewers can stream the same on the Disney+ Hotstar app (paid subscription). The match will start at 7:30 PM IST.
The major batting stats on offer
Andre Russell has 1,879 runs in the IPL and is closing in on the 1,900-run mark. Nitish Rana has 1,943 runs in the IPL and is 57 shy of 2,000. He can also get past Mike Hussey’s tally of 1,977 runs. Samson has 3,185 runs and can surpass Yusuf Pathan (3,205).
The major bowling stats on offer
Chahal has 151 wickets in the IPL, including 19 versus KKR. He has taken 12 wickets in the IPL 2022 season. Umesh Yadav has 129 scalps and is aiming to hit 130-plus wickets. Narine needs three wickets to touch a mark of 150.
Dream11 Fantasy XI (Option 1)
Batsmen: Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Rana, Shimron Hetmyer
All-rounders: Andre Russell, Sunil Narine
Bowlers: Umesh Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, Prasidh Krishna, Varun Chakravarthy
Dream11 Fantasy XI (Option 2)
Batsmen: Jos Buttler, Sanju Samson, Shreyas Iyer, Nitish Rana, Shimron Hetmyer
All-rounders: Andre Russell, Sunil Narine
Bowlers: Umesh Yadav, Yuzvendra Chahal, R Ashwin, P Krishna
Dream11 Fantasy XI: Captain choices
Jos Buttler: The Englishman is the highest scorer this season and is averaging in excess of 70. He will hold the key against a decent pace attack in store. His application will be useful for RR..
Andre Russell: The West Indian star can be useful with the bat with his big shots. He can win the game on any given day. With the ball, Russell can take the wickets KKR need.
Dream11 fantasy: Vice-captain choices
Sunil Narine: The all-rounder can spark things for KKR. If he gets a chance to open the innings, things can work well. With the ball, he is a rockstar and brings consistency on offer.
Yuzvendra Chahal: With 12 wickets this season and 151 overall, Chahal has been the perfect example of a consistent force. He can turn things in RR’s favour within a short span. He has bowled intelligently.