IPL 2024, Match 31: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals Match Preview

The 'City of Joy' based Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will continue their ongoing IPL 2024 (Indian Premier League) campaign by taking on Rajasthan Royals (RR). Both sides will face off at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, in the 31st match of the tournament on Tuesday, April 16. Both sides have been in brilliant form in the competition and are the current top two sides in the standings. 

Kolkata will be coming into the clash after a win in their previous clash against Lucknow Super Giants. The side managed to register a dominant win in Kolkata and they will aim to do the same against table-toppers Rajasthan Royals. 

Similarly, the Sanju Samson-led Rajasthan Royals have been in brilliant form as well. Currently leading the standings, Royals have lost just one game out of the six that they have played, and visiting Kolkata, the side will aim to register a tough victory. 

The side will be coming into the clash after a low-scoring thriller against Punjab Kings after Shimron Hetmyer’s knock helped them win the game. Taking on KKR at the Eden Gardens could be a daunting challenge for Royals but the side would look to carry their form forward. 

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Eden Gardens, Kolkata Pitch Report:

The surface at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata is one that is known to heavily prefer the batters. In the past, the pitch was known to provide a challenging surface to players of every skill set, and opting to bat first and putting a big total on the scoreboard could be a viable decision. 

Probable Playing XI:

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

Led by Shreyas Iyer, Kolkata Knight Riders’ predicted XI could feature Philip Salt and Sunil Narine as the openers once again. The duo has proved impactful recently, with a strong middle consisting of Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, and Rinku Singh as the impact substitutes.

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

Impact Substitute: Rinku Singh

Rajasthan Royals (RR)

In brilliant form, Rajasthan Royals could form a lineup quite similar to their last game. English batter Jos Buttler could miss out once again, with Tanush Kotian opening once more. Rovman Powell could be the foreign substitute in place of Buttler in the middle order, and Keshav Maharaj could feature once more. 

Predicted XI: 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

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Head-to-Head Record:

IPL 2024: Match 31: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals: