IPL 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders' strongest predicted playing XI against Rajasthan Royals, Match 70

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will be up against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Match 70 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Both the teams have already qualified for the playoffs and KKR are assured of finishing as the table toppers. The two-time champions currently have 19 points and the other teams can't go beyond 18 points with just one match remaining in the league stage.

KKR and RR have been dominant right from the start of the season, but while the former kept pace throughout, the latter lost their way in the later stages. The upcoming match is crucial for Royal, who have lost four consecutive games, to finish in the first two positions in the points table.

Shreyas Iyer and Co. will be aiming to end their league stage campaign on a high and will be waiting to see who joins them in Qualifier 1. RR will be without their opener Jos Buttler and KKR will be without Phil Salt, both of whom are away on national duty. Expect an exciting match on Sunday night at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati as two formidable teams clash.

Also Check: RR vs KKR Dream11 Prediction,

Here's the strongest predicted playing XI of KKR for the 70th match of IPL 2024 against RR:

Openers: Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine

The opening combo of Phil Salt and Sunil Narine was one of the most destructive of the season. However, in the Englishman's absence now, Afghanistan's Rahmanullah Gurbaz will take the opening slot. KKR will not be too worried about a strong start as Gurbaz is also a clean striker of the ball who can provide an aggressive powerplay.

Sunil Narine is one of the top contenders to win Player of the Tournament for his all-round brilliance. The KKR pinch-hitter has amassed 461 runs at a strike rate of 182.94 and took 15 wickets at an economy of 6.64. Notably, when the last time KKR and RR met, Narine scored a 56-ball 109, although it was overshadowed by Jos Buttler’s counter-punching hundred.

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Middle-order: Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh

Shreyas Iyer has not been able to live up to expectations this season, but he has been hidden under his captaincy excellence. Barring a few short cameos, the KKR skipper has yet to play an impressive innings. Venkatesh Iyer has become a reliable middle-order batter for KKR and his batting position will change depending on the conditions.

He has played a few match-winning knocks and seems to be in good touch ahead of the playoff phase. Nitish Rana, due to injury, has played only one match this season in which he scored 33 runs off 23 balls. Finisher Rinku Singh failed to shine like last season. However, it is notable that Rinku did not get much time to spend at the crease as the openers' sparkling form and the middle-order batters performed well.

Click Here: RR vs KKR, Match 70 - Live Cricket Score

All-rounders: Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh

Andre Russell's bowling skills have proved more powerful than his batting this season. The big man struggles to find runs and is often dismissed after a short cameo. But that was not the case with his bowling. The right-arm medium pacer has taken 15 wickets so far at an impressive average of 17.40.

Batting in the lower order, Ramandeep Singh is set to play the role of finisher. He gets very few balls to play and he has to put them over the ropes. The right-hander has been able to provide the team with blazing finishes in recent matches. He can chip in some overs as well, but KKR haven't explored that much.

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Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy

Mitchell Starc is not having a great time in IPL 2024. The most expensive player in league history, the left-arm pacer is one of the most expensive bowlers in terms of economy rate this season. It is true that he has managed to find some form in recent times, but he has not been consistent.

KKR's other two pacers are Harshit Rana and Impact Player Vaibhav Arora. Both are doing a decent job and notably, Rana is their second leading wicket-taker with 16 wickets in 10 innings. Varun Chakravarthy has taken 18 wickets so far and is in pursuit of the Purple Cap. The mystery spinner took two wickets in the previous match against RR and will look to continue his good form in the reverse fixture.

Also Check: Purple Cap in IPL 2024 - Most Wickets

KKR’s Predicted XI against RR:

Rahmanullah Gurbaz (wk), Sunil Narine, Venkatesh Iyer, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakravarthy.

Impact Substitute: Vaibhav Arora