Rajasthan Royals is a team which looks so perfect on paper while Kolkata Knight Riders won’t be called a team which looks perfect on paper. But both the teams have had the almost same fate in this year’s Indian Premier League. Not with the way they have played but with the results that they have had.
Kolkata Knight Riders won 4 out of their first 5 games and then lost 5 games in a row. They have not only lost the away games but they have lost their last 3 games at home too. A team whose strength was their home have been dismantled in their own fort. They were once table topper and now on 6th position. They need to win every game from here to easily qualify. One loss from here will make them do some maths for Net Run Rate and also need some luck.
During the last match, senior players like Robin Uthappa and Kuldeep Yadav were dropped from the team. They should be rested for a few more games and KKR should look at their reserve players to perform well. Over-dependence on Andre Rusell is an issue right from the start of the season and he should be given a proper and permanent batting position in the team.
Rajasthan Royals have won only 3 games till now and they stand last on the points table. They will need to win every game from here to qualify. The problem with the team is their only consistent performer, Jos Buttler has flown back to England. Two other players, Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes will also leave after today’s game. The departure of these players will make the team weaker. Although they have not done justice to their talents, the presence of such players gives some confidence to the team.
For Rajasthan Royals, Ashton Turner who has had first ball duck in every match that he has played and he can be dropped today.
Today’s match is at the Eden Gardens, another home game for KKR. Team winning the toss should look to bowl first due to dew factor and because every other team is doing the same in 8 pm games.
