However its last-ball defeat to Rajasthan Royals (RR) on account of Jos Buttler’s particular person brilliance, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will take coronary heart from its spirited run this season thus far and search for its second win over bottom-placed Royal Challengers Bengaluru within the Indian Premier League right here on Sunday.
Its victory over Lucknow Tremendous Giants in its first day-match at dwelling ought to have helped KKR discover a method to reach a day begin on the Eden Gardens, which has produced 400-plus run gluts twice in three matches.
KKR, which has scored 200-plus totals thrice, will depend on its batting as new centurion Sunil Narine, and Phil Salt have emerged as a profitable opening pair. Captain Shreyas Iyer, Venkatesh Iyer, Andre Russell and Rinku additionally present sufficient backup.
KKR would hope its bowling trump card Mitchell Starc to shine once more with home pacers. Narine and Varun Chakravarthy give assurance within the spin division.
After 5 straight losses, RCB will probably be eager to finish its stoop. Struggling on account of its below-par bowling, evident from its 28 wickets in seven matches, RCB has not been in a position to capitalise on the nice work of its high three run-getters – orange cap proprietor Virat Kohli (361 runs), skipper Faf du Plessis and finisher Dinesh Karthik.
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It’s going to anticipate a greater present from its main bowlers, together with Mohammad Siraj and Reece Topley, whereas eyeing a turnaround. Its valiant chase, 262 for seven in dropping trigger, towards Sunrisers Hyderabad in its final match ought to re-energise RCB. It should do one thing particular to examine a well-oiled KKR.