IPL 2024: Predicting Kolkata Knight Riders Playing XI for their clash against Rajasthan Royals

It is going to be a top-of-the-table clash as Rajasthan Royals who are at the top spot in the points table will face the 2nd spot holder Kolkata Knight Riders in the 31st match of IPL 2024. The famous Eden Gardens will host the game.  

Both the teams are coming off a win in their last match which has boosted their chances of making it through to the playoffs. If we talk about KKR, they won their last encounter against LSG in a thumping manner and have been on a roll this season. In this article, we will predict the possible XI of KKR for their next encounter against RR.

Top Order

1) Phil Salt (wk)

Phil Salt was an accidental buy for KKR as he picked after Jason Roy pulled out of IPL 2024. But it has been a blessing in disguise for KKR as he has been among the top scorers for the franchise. He has amassed 191 runs in 5 matches at an average of 47.75 and a strike rate of 159.16. He has also been taking the wicketkeeping duties for the franchise.

2) Sunil Narine

The move of Gautam Gambhir in the opening position has been a game-changing one for KKR. He is well-known for his bowling prowess around the world, but he has changed the game for KKR in the batting front as well by providing explosive starts to the team. He has scored 167 runs in the season with an average of 33.40 and a whopping strike rate of 183.51. On the bowling front as well, Narine has picked up 5 wickets with an economy rate of 6.75.

3) Angkrish Raghuvanshi

Angkrish Raghuvanshi is one of the finds of the season for KKR. He burst into the scene after he hit a quick-fire half-century against DC. He looks like a prospect for the future of KKR and they will persist with him and will give him ample opportunities to blossom.

Middle-Order

4) Shreyas Iyer (C)

The captain of KKR has been given the role of playing an anchor in this season with other players hitting it all around the park. Although his strike rate has been in question this season, his captaincy skills have been praised given the performance of his team this season.

5) Venkatesh Iyer

Venkatesh Iyer has been one of the prolific performers for KKR in the last season and even scored a century. But this season given the explosive batters KKR have at their disposal, Venkatesh Iyer hasn’t got much opportunity to express himself. However, given his hitting ability and the left-handed dimension he brings to the table, he will have a role to play in the upcoming matches.

6) Andre Russell

Andre Russell has been one of the most destructive hitters in the cricketing world let alone in KKR. He has been a critical cog in the KKR playing XI given his all-round abilities. He can change the course of any match on its head with either the bat or ball which he did against SRH in the 1st match. Therefore, KKR will want him to fire with all cylinders and if he does that KKR wil win the match more often than not.

7) Rinku Singh

Rinku Singh is gradually making his name as one of the prolific finishers in the T20 format and KKR have played a significant role in polishing his skills. After the international stint, he has even matured more as a player and KKR would like him to finish matches for the franchise as he has done in the past. 

Bolwers

8) Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc, who is the most expensive player in history, had a rough run in the initial stages of the match but in recent matches, he has shown considerable improvement. He has a wealth of experience in international cricket and bowls the hard overs in an innings. KKR would like him to continue his decent run in the upcoming matches as well.

9) Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana is one of the upcoming Indian bowling talents in the world. He has taken 5 wickets in the 4 matches he has played so far in the season. He bowls in the death and has shown great skills while executing death overs which has made him a useful addition in the KKR bowling line-up.

10) Vaibhav Arora

Vaibhav Arora is having a pretty decent season with the KKR. He burst into the scene last year as a great future prospect and has managed to continue his form in this season as well. He has really good in the death and got crucial wickets at important junctures of the innings. In this season, Vaibhav Arora has taken 6 wickets so far in just 3 matches he has played so far.

11) Varun Chakravarthy

Varun Chakravarthy has been one of the prominent spinners for KKR in the last few years. He is known for his mystery spin and has taken crucial wickets for KKR in the middle overs. However, currently, he is going through a rough phase with 5 wickets in 5 matches and KKR would want him to up his game in the upcoming matches. 

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