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

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) will be facing each other in the 31st match of the IPL 2024. The match is set to take place at Eden Gardens in Kolkata on the 16th of April 2024 at 7:30 PM (IST). It will be a clash of table toppers and arguably the two best sides in the league so far. Both teams have been impressive and have found their own ways to succeed in the league so far. While RR has an insane prowess in bowling, KKR has a great batting order.

RR has a brilliant new-ball duo in Trent Boult and Nandre Burger. But the latter is likely to be benched due to the team combination. As a backup to Burger, RR has Avesh Khan who has been bowling well in the ongoing season. They also have experienced bowlers like Yuzvendra Chahal, Keshav Maharaj, and Ravichandran Ashwin in their lineup. In addition to it, RR has Adam Zampa and several other great bowlers in their lineup, making them the most potent attack. 

KKR has found success on the back of their batting. Their overseas opening pair of Phil Salt and Sunil Narine has done wonders, being arguably the best opening pair of the season. Their finishers have been amazing and the younger batters have stepped up to the occasion. The likes of Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Ramandeep Singh have played good knocks. Shreyas Iyer and Venkatesh Iyer need to be better, however. The winner of the battle between KKR batters and RR bowlers would probably have the bigger say on the result. 

Click Here: KKR vs RR Live Score, Match 31

Here's the probable playing XI for RR against KKR ahead of their IPL 2024 clash -

Openers - Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tanush Kotian

RR is likely to continue with the opening pair of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Tanuish Kotian for the upcoming game. The latter played a poor knock against PBKS but would be hoping to put up a better performance against KKR. He is likely to continue till Jos Buttler gets fit to play. Kotian can bowl too, which adds to the balance of the side. The key for the emerging player would be to apply himself better and play shots to the merit of the ball without fearing about the consequences. 

At the other end, RR will have Yashasvi Jaiswal who has not been at his best form in the ongoing league. It also acts as a positive for RR that they have won matches without his bulk contributions. It also allows Yashasvi to focus on his batting and come up with better performances. In the last game against PBKS, the youngster scored 37(29) and showed signs of returning to his best form. RR would be hoping to see consistency from the 22-year-old in the upcoming matches.

Middle Order - Sanju Samson (C & WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, and Rovman Powell

RR has a good middle order stacked with aggressive batters. At number 3, they will have the power of Sanju Samson. He will be the skipper and wicketkeeper for his side. The star batter has been scoring runs with consistency. Shimron Hetmyer returning to form would have given RR a lot of confidence. In the last game against PBKS, the Southpaw scored 27*(10) and won the match for his side on a slow track. He needs to build on the momentum.

Dhruv Jurel will bat in the middle order for RR. The youngster had a brilliant season for RR in 2023 mostly as an impact player. But in the ongoing season, the lack of chances has affected his consistency and aggression. Rovman Powell came into the side in the absence of Jos Buttler. The West Indian skipper could not make an impact against PBKS but can come good against KKR. He is an aggressive batter and can finish the games on a good note lower down the order.

Also Check: IPL 2024 Orange Cap

All-Rounder - Riyan Parag

Riyan Parag is likely to be the sole All-Rounder in the side for the game against KKR. The visiting side will be missing the services of Ravichandran Ashwin who has been good in the season so far. If Parag gets an opportunity to bowl, he will be the sole All-Rounder in the side. Else, RR will be playing without an All-Rounder. RR has Donovan Ferreira on the bench who can be handy as an All-Rounder. But he is unlikely to be picked in the game against KKR.

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

Bowlers - Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Keshav Maharaj, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Kuldeep Sen (Impact Substitute)

RR's strength is their bowling. They have a world-class opening duo that can trouble the best batters in the world. Trent Boult and Kuldeep Sen can wreak havoc in the powerplay overs. If Nandre Burger does not get picked, Avesh Khan can assist with the new ball. In the middle overs, RR has arguably the best spin attack. Yuzvendra Chahal, Keshav Maharaj, Adam Zampa, and Ashwin are some of the options the 2008 champions have in their lineup. 

Chahal has been one of the best spinners in the ongoing season and in the history of the IPL. He can claim wickets from his end. Keshav is also an economical bowler and can take wickets if the batters take risks. In the death overs, Avesh becomes a crucial factor. His yorkers and wide yorkers can trouble the batters. At the other end, RR has struggled as Kuldeep and Bout have gone for runs. RR has the option of getting Sandeep Sharma back in the XI, who was effective at the death. 

Also Check: IPL 2024 Purple Cap

RR's Predicted XI for the game against KKR -

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Tanush Kotian, Sanju Samson (C & WK), Riyan Parag, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Rovman Powell, Keshav Maharaj, Trent Boult, Avesh Khan, Yuzvendra Chahal

Impact substitute - Kuldeep Sen