IPL: Kolkata Knight Riders v Rajasthan Royals - prediction, stars to watch and suggested bets
- Jonhenry Wilson
- 10 May 2023
The Kolkata Knight Riders are trying to get out of the bottom half of the 2023 Indian Premier League table, while the Rajasthan Royals want to stay among the top five teams.
Who, when, where
Kolkata Knight Riders v Rajasthan Royals, 3pm BST, Thursday 11 May 2023, Kolkata
Talking points
Kolkata will go into this match on the back of three wins from their last four matches. They have found some solid momentum after a disappointing start to the 2023 IPL and can keep building on it with another win here.
They are at home for this one, too. Eden Gardens is always a tough prospect for visiting teams and the Rajasthan Royals will be hard-pressed to successfully navigate this added dynamic. Eden Gardens has served up three 200-plus first-innings totals this IPL season.
The Royals head into this encounter in the wake of three successive defeats. The inaugural champions in 2008 and last year's losing finalists need to rediscover their stronger form against KKR - and promptly.
Rajasthan have several batting superstars, but it's really their bowling resources that need to deliver bigger performances. Leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal is doing well, but he needs support from the other slow bowlers as well.
Head-to-head
Kolkata and Rajasthan have taken it in turns to beat each other in their last five meetings. The Knight Riders have three wins to the Royals' two.
Stars to watch
Stars to watch
Jos Buttler remains a big asset at the top of the order for the Royals and almost hit a century in defeat to the Sunrisers Hyderabad recently. Buttler is a superb tactician, too, and could be key to a Royals win here.
Rinku Singh has effectively been the find of the season for Kolkata. They relish his role in the middle order and his six-hitting ability is well-documented. Singh is just the type of finisher the KKR batting order has needed in recent seasons.
Prediction
The Knight Riders are looking in good shape to consign the Royals to a fourth consecutive defeat here. Momentum counts for plenty in T20 cricket - and KKR currently have more of it than Rajasthan.
Suggested bets
Yuzvendra Chahal to be top bowler for Rajasthan
Nitish Rana to be top batsman for Kolkata
