IPL 2024: Kolkata Knight Riders strongest predicted playing XI against Rajasthan Royals

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) will lock horns with each other in Match 31 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Fans can look forward to an exciting encounter on Tuesday (April 16) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata as the two high-flying teams of the season are set to cross paths.

Royals, who are currently at the top of the points table with 10 points, won by three wickets in their last game against Punjab Kings (PBKS). Meanwhile, KKR are just one place behind their upcoming rivals with eight points. They are coming on the back of an eight-wicket win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Kolkata had to chase down 162 runs and they did it comfortably in just 15.4 overs. While Mitchell Starc shone with a three-wicket haul in the first innings, opener Philip Salt this time managed to convert his blazing start to a half-century that propelled his side to register their fourth win. With Shreyas Iyer's team set to face a serious challenge against Sanju Samson's RR, will they make any changes to their winning combination? 

Click Here: KKR vs RR Live Score, Match 31

Here's the probable playing XI for Kolkata Knight Riders against RR in IPL 2024, Match 31:

Openers: Philip Salt (wk), Sunil Narine

The Phillip Salt-Sunil Narine opening pair has been one of the main reasons for KKR's strong outing so far this season. Both never fail to deliver strong starts and effective powerplay. If there was any concern for the team, it was Salt's failure to convert a bright start into a big score.

However, the Englishman solved that issue with a match-winning 47-ball 89 in their last match. Sunil Narine has been given the license to open his machine gun right from the word go. Primarily a spin wizard, Narine has no pressure with the bat which gives him more confidence to wreak havoc in the opening overs.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Most Runs - Orange Cap Updated List

Middle-orders: Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Shreyas Iyer (c)

The batting positions of KKR's middle-order batters will change depending on the game conditions. Even though Venkatesh Iyer has not been able to contribute well to the team in the last three matches, his half-century against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has impressed the management.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi proved his mettle in his debut IPL match. The 18-year-old smashed 54 runs at a remarkable strike rate of 200 and helped his team post the second-highest total in league history against Delhi Capitals (DC). However, his form has dipped in the last two matches and he needs to regain his rhythm.

Shreyas Iyer remained unbeaten on 38 in KKR's win over LSG in the last match. The captain has been scoring at this average so far, but it has all been at a concerning strike rate. Although he provides stability in his anchoring role in the middle overs, KKR will want him to shift gears to maintain the pace.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Orange Cap

All-rounders: Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh

Andre Russell has been a vital cog in the team for years, and he still claims to be one. The big man is known for pulling off unthinkable equations, and he's done that a few times this season. The Caribbean finisher can also chip in with some crucial wickets, making him a valuable asset to the team.

Ramandeep Singh is yet to catch the attention of the cricketing fraternity, despite getting a consistent run.  The right-hander usually bats in the lower-middle order and is equipped with the finishing role. He can also contribute in a few overs in the middle order, but KKR are yet to tap into his all-round abilities.

Also Check: Kolkata vs Rajasthan , Match 31 - MPL Opinio Prediction

Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy

Mitchell Starc will lead KKR's pace attack comprising of Harshit Rana and Vaibhav Arora. Starc's form in the early matches was a concern for the franchise, but as the tournament progressed, the left-arm pacer regained his rhythm. He took three wickets in the last match against LSG. Rana and Arora have been doing their job decently, and the trio will also get assistance from Russell.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Most Wickets - Purple Cap Updated List

Mystery spinner Varun Chakravarthy is the last man for KKR. Chakravarthy and Narine’s four overs are a nightmare for the opposition as they can drain runs and also pick up wickets in the middle overs. Both will have a tough job against a formidable batting line-up of Royals in the upcoming match. 

IPL 2024: KKR's Probable Playing XI against RR, Match 31

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

Impact Substitute: Rinku Singh