Can the Knight Riders tame the Royals?

So, we are back to the Eden Gardens! Undoubtedly, the most historic stadium for Indian cricket where records were made and broken and where spectators come for the games hoping to see something special, everytime. Playing in front of the Kolkata crowd, who go all out supporting SRK’s men, it would be a pretty tough task for Dravid’s boys to take the points. After winning the first season under the captaincy of Shane Warne, the Royals failed to impress like they had earlier. Just like the Deccan Chargers, they did well in one edition, but failed to create the same impact that they had, again.

Kolkata on the other hand, are yet to shine, at least once, so as to gain more respect and recognition as silverware-winners in the league. Having started off on the wrong note, the Knight Riders picked themselves up and delivered – they beat the Royal Challengers pretty convincingly and hope to keep the form going. Also, they would be happy to face a Rajasthan side who have come off a battering by the Mumbai Indians recently, after having begun the tournament fairly well. In fact, the last game that the men in black and gold lost was to the Royals, and that will leave Gambhir’s men seeking vengeance.

Head to head: Completely even. Of the nine times that the two teams have come across each other, both have won four and one ended in a tie.

KKR – 4, RR – 4.

Key Players:

Rajasthan Royals

1) Ajinkya Rahane : The youngster came closest to getting the first century of this season’s edition with a blistering 98 against Punjab and has the orange cap on his head. Though he is still not one of the best players in the team, he has shown signs of responsibility and has stood up whenever called upon, which has now earned him a deserved permanent place in the squad.

2) Kevon Cooper : A few weeks ago, this name would’nt have rung a bell with the Indian fans. But Cooper has shown us why he’s in the team. With remarkable bowling figures, he’s sitting pretty at the 4th spot in the purple cap list and is looking to jump up at every chance he gets. Taking 8 wickets in just 3 games, he is working his way to the top.

3) Owais Shah: In a match where the top batsmen were dismissed and you thought Rajasthan were out of the contest, Owais Shah came out to prove you wrong. Even though his contribution didn’t win the game for the Royals, they now have man who could be pretty destructive if his form continues in the same way.

Kolkata Knight Riders

1) Gautam Gambhir : Captain fantastic would be pretty confident going into this fixture after leading the way for his team against the men from Bangalore. He will also get the much required support and belief from his teammates as they seek to fight their way back into the tournament although there is a long way to go. A partnership with opener Kallis or Bisla could do the trick for them.

2) Jacques Kallis : A complete all-rounder; the South African can be as destructive with the ball as with the bat. In fact, the determination of the player is so immense that the day he fails to make an impact with one, he proves a point with the other. And the fact that the Royals bowling attack is not very star-studded, the batsmen could be smacking their lips for a run-fest.

3) Laxmipathy Balaji : After going through a career with less of ups and more of downs, the Indian looks to be making a name for himself all over again after bowling an impressive spell in his last game, finishing with figures of 4 for 18. Though he may not be the best in the ranks, the top order would need to take him seriously if they want to occupy the crease all the way through.

Surprise element: Yusuf pathan could be the man to look out for, as even though he hasn’t stood out yet, we all know what he can do in this format of the game, especially against a side he has been a part of for three seasons. He could be the trump card in the pack.

Weather: The teams would be sitting with their fingers crossed as thunderstorms could ruin the day for the enthusiastic crowd.

Prediction: A convincing win for the Knight Riders seems more likely, with the backing of the fans at home.

Other articles that might interest you :

https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/12/explosive-super-kings-rule-over-the-royal-challengers/

https://www.sportskeeda.com/2012/04/12/mascarenhas-massacres-the-pune-warriors/