Rajasthan Royals (RR) take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match number 30 of this 2022 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai will be the venue for this game. Both teams have had a good start to this season.
RR have won three out of their first four encounters. The Sanju Samson-led side racked up huge totals batting first in the first two and they recorded big wins. They lost by a close margin to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) before they held their nerve to eke out a three-run win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
Jos Buttler has been in sublime form at the top while Shimron Hetmyer’s finishing powers has bolstered RR more often than not. Moreover, Sanju Samson and Devdutt Padikkal have made some good contributions. Meanwhile, Yuzvendra Chahal has led the charge with the ball while Trent Boult has been superb as well.
On the other hand, KKR have three wins and two losses so far. Barring the big 44-run defeat against Delhi Capitals, KKR have looked in good form. Their bowling has been the one that has been superior and has laid the foundation for majority of the wins. Umesh Yadav has been super impressive while the spin twins Sunil Narine and Varun Chakravarthy have bowled well too. But KKR’s worry would be their top-order which hasn’t really fired.
Match Summary
- Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders, Match 30, IPL 2022
- Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
- April 18th, 2022
KKR slightly ahead in terms of head to head record
Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders have faced each other 25 times in the history of the IPL. KKR have won 13 while RR have won 11. One game ended in a no-result. Since the start of 2018, KKR have won seven out of the last nine games against RR.
- Indian Rupee as a currency
- Very Competitive odds
- Website available in Hindi
- Indian Rupee as a currency
- Very Competitive odds
- Website available in Hindi
Ravichandran Ashwin – second-highest wicket-taker against KKR
Ravichandran Ashwin has bowled quite economically in this IPL 2022 but he hasn’t picked a lot of wickets. The off-spinner has just one wicket to his name and has an economy rate of 6.87. However, he has an excellent record against KKR and is the second-highest wicket-taker against them in the history of the Indian T20 league. Ashwin has returned with 23 scalps from 22 games against KKR so far.
Team News
Ajinkya Rahane’s low returns may be a concern and KKR may look to replace the 33-year-old batter. Sheldon Jackson or Rinku Singh could come in for him. Aaron Finch is also available and he could slot in at the top if KKR decide to drop Sam Billings. If that happens, Sheldon Jackson is likely to don the gloves. Meanwhile, RR seem to have a settled side and may not make any changes.
Match prediction
KKR may have a better head to head record but RR might start this game as favourites. They are in top form and they seem to have almost all the bases covered. RR have the winning odds of 1.68 while KKR have the odds of 1.97 to win this game.
Who will win the Man of the Match?
Jos Buttler is in magnificent form with the bat and he has been getting those big scores. He is currently the leading run-getter this season as well (218 runs). Yuzvendra Chahal has bowled beautifully and he is the current Purple Cap (11 wickets). He will be in contention to win the player of the match as well. On the other hand, Umesh Yadav has been wreaking havoc with the new-ball and he could be the key for KKR. Andre Russell’s all-round impact makes him a strong contender too.