IPL 2024, Match 36: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Match Preview

The City of Joy, Kolkata, is set to welcome arch-rivals Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as they lock horns in what promises to be a mouth-watering Indian Premier League (IPL 2024) clash on Sunday, April 21, at the iconic Eden Gardens.

Judging by the points tally, the contest might seem like a mismatch as KKR are placed second, while RCB are languishing at the bottom. However, when two fierce competitors collide, past results and positions on the points table do not have much bearing on the outcome of the match.

KKR have won four out of their six matches so far in IPL 2024. They are coming off an agonizing two-wicket loss off the last ball against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at home. Meanwhile, Bengaluru have managed a solitary win from seven matches and they are on a five-match losing streak.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Schedule

The former two-time champions have had multiple players putting their hands up during the season so far. Phil Salt has hit a couple of important half-centuries, while Harshit Rana has bagged crucial wickets. However, the star performer has been Sunil Narine. The star all-rounder hit his maiden IPL century in the last game against the Royals and also bagged a couple of wickets. The 35-year-old has scored 276 runs from six innings at an average of 46 and a strike rate of 187.76. With the ball, he has bagged seven wickets at 23.57 and conceded runs at a miserly economy rate of 6.88.

Another Kolkata Knight Riders legend, Andre Russell, has also been in scintillating form in IPL 2024. The all-rounder has scored 128 runs from four innings at a strike rate of 200. KKR have batted really well as a unit and last year's sensation, Rinku Singh, has got sporadic chances to show his prowess. The Knights will be concerned about Mitchell Starc's insipid form as the Australian seamer has bagged only five wickets at 46.40. He has an economy rate of 10.55.

Virat Kohli has been one of the rare bright spots for the Royal Challengers in IPL 2024. The right-handed batter is the leading run-getter in the tournament with 361 runs from seven matches at an average of 72.20 and a strike rate of 147.35 and is the current holder of the Orange Cap. Meanwhile, Dinesh Karthik has also been in glorious form as he has scored 226 runs from six innings at an average of 75.33 and a strike rate of 205.45. Against Sunrisers Hyderabad, in the last game, RCB conceded a record 287/3 but Karthik's 83 off 35 balls helped them reach very close to the improbable target. They eventually lost by 25 runs.

The bowling department has been a huge letdown for RCB this season. Yash Dayal had a decent start to the season but he has tapered off. The likes of Vijaykumar Vyshak and Reece Topley have conceded runs at economy rates of over 10. Mohammed Siraj was expected to be the leader of the pack but he looked off-colour in almost every game before being dropped ahead of the last encounter.

These two teams met earlier in the season at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Faf and Co. set a target of 183 before the visitors chased it down with 19 balls and seven wickets to spare.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Points Table

Eden Gardens, Kolkata Pitch Report

The Eden Gardens has consistently produced outstanding batting surfaces. Three matches have been played so far at this venue in IPL 2024. The average first-innings score is 197. Two out of the three games have been won by chasing teams. This will be an afternoon fixture where dew will not play a role. The pitch could be a bit on the slower side at the start but as the lights come on, batting could get easier.

Probable Playing XI

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Nitish Rana could return to the side after missing the last five matches due to a finger injury. He could come in place of Ramandeep Singh. Angkrish Raghuvanshi has played a couple of impressive knocks so far and his place should be secure. However, it would be interesting to see where KKR play Nitish as they already have a packed batting line-up. There should be no other changes on the side unless any last-minute niggle pops up.

Predicted XI: Philip Salt (wk), Sunil Narine, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana

Impact Player: Rinku Singh

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Royal Challengers tried to change their fortunes by bringing in fresh faces in place of veterans Siraj and Glenn Maxwell in the last game. However, it didn't work to their advantage. They should give their XI from the previous game another shot before looking at bringing back Siraj and Maxwell.

Predicted XI: Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis (c), Will Jacks, Rajat Patidar, Saurav Chauhan, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Mahipal Lomror, Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Dayal

Impact Player - Vijaykumar Vyshak

Head-to-Head Record

IPL 2024: Match 36: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru