IPL 2021, Eliminator: RCB vs KKR Preview – Now or never for Bangalore, Kolkata

The Indian Premier League 2021 has got to its final stage and the knockout games are about to begin. The system of the playoffs gives only one chance to the teams finishing third and fourth in the points table. Royal Challengers Bangalore who finished third will face the fourth-placed Kolkata Knight Riders in a knockout game to make it to qualifier 2, which paves the way for the qualification to the final.

KKR won their last league game by 86 runs, securing their seventh win and also pegging Mumbai Indians ahead in the net run rate to qualify for the playoffs. On the other hand, RCB is coming into this game after a thrilling last-ball win against table-toppers Delhi Capitals.

Head to head:

Match Info:

IPL 2021 Eliminator – Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders

Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Team News:

Royal Challengers Bangalore: There has been something different in Virat Kohli’s captaincy this season. He has gone by his instincts more than ever. He has managed to pick players and use them for only specific reasons. He has also persisted with Dan Christian, trusting his experience in crucial moments, despite him having a poor season. He backed George Garton ahead of Kyle Jamieson, who came in for a huge paycheck. Whatever he has done as a skipper has worked. Consider using Shahbaz Ahmed for only specific match-ups and getting the rewards. Going by this, RCB may continue what has been their favourable XI through this season. Glenn Maxwell and AB de Villiers are going to be the two overseas picks along with Garton and Christian.

Kolkata Knight Riders: RCB’s form has dipped and then gone up in both legs but KKR’s form has constantly been up since their arrival in the UAE. They have been consistent and also have found their right starting XI which can help them win matches against tougher oppositions. KKR played Shakib Al Hasan ahead of Andre Russell, suspecting that the latter was not yet fit for the game. However, if the West Indian all-rounder recovers in time, he might just sneak in the XI. Lockie Ferguson has become their no. 1 pick along with Sunil Narine. While Eoin Morgan is going to be the fourth and final pick. The rest of the XI is likely to be the same if all are fit.

Probable XI: