Indian Premier League 2019 Match 41, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

It’s that must-win phase of the season for both Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan Royals as they head into their 11th clash of IPL 2019 in Eden Gardens on Thursday, April 25.

Kolkata are a curious case. Just a few weeks ago they were hovering near the top of the table, but 5 consecutive losses thereafter has revealed the mess they were disguising. The team are unsure of where to play their star man – Andre Russell – they have been sloppy in the field, their bowlers have lacked bite, and their batting has underwhelmed as a whole, symbolised by the terrible form of Dinesh Karthik, the captain.

All of which has contributed to their horrendous losing streak of 5 matches. The thing is, time is running out for them to revive their season – the playoff flight is on final call, but Kolkata haven’t even checked in yet. They will need to get their act together, and a victory against a side in a similar situation might just be the tonic they need.

Rajasthan will soon have a team combination crisis to deal with – Jos Buttler has already left, Ben Stokes and Jofra Archer will be playing their last game of the season – but before that, they need to go for the jugular with the strongest possible team. Ajinkya Rahane’s century in the last outing bodes well for the side, but the middle order – specifically Stokes and Ashton Turner – need to start firing if they are to get out of this hole.

There’s a lot to play for on Thursday. Whose season will be closer to the end by the time we’re done?

Head to head

In the previous clash between these sides this season, Kolkata were in prime form. Russell didn’t even have to bat as Kolkata won by 8 wickets.

In all, the sides have clashed 20 times so far. Kolkata have won 10 – including the clash earlier this season – and Rajasthan 9. Rajasthan have a chance to restore parity.

Key players

Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders): Where will Russell bat? Will he be allowed more time to work his magic against Rajasthan? Russell wants to bat higher, but Kolkata have saved him for death over hitting. He has previously suggested he’d like to bat higher. All eyes will be on him come Thursday.

Ben Stokes (Rajasthan Royals): Rajasthan coughed up a lot of money for the services of Stokes, but the all-rounder hasn’t been able to deliver this season. Tomorrow is his last chance to repay Rajasthan, and it’ll be interesting to see if he can do that.

Likely XIs

Kolkata Knight Riders: Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Nitish Rana, Shubman Gill, Dinesh Karthik (c/wk), Andre Russell, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Harry Gurney, Prasidh Krishna

Rajasthan Royals: Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson (wk), Steven Smith (c), Ben Stokes, Liam Livingstone, Stuart Binny, Riyan Parag, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni

Prediction

Kolkata to end their losing streak and keep their hopes alive.