IPL 2021: KKR vs RCB Preview – Kolkata eye an upset to kick off their revival
Royal Challengers Bangalore will begin their second leg of the IPL 2021 in the UAE with a special match against Kolkata Knight Riders. The match is special as the RCB team is set to wear a special blue jersey to honour the services of the people in the medical industry who have helped everyone in fighting the COVID-19.
But, there is no doubt that RCB will be going into this match as favourites, considering the contrasting fortunes these two sides have had so far in this league. RCB have won five and lost two, while KKR have lost five and won only two. One of their losses actually came against Virat Kohli’s men.
Recent history prefers RCB heavily, but KKR would be looking to bring a new spirit and start this second leg with a fresh mind. Interestingly enough, the two teams had previously played a match on this ground in 2020, in which KKR managed only 84 for 8 and RCB ended up winning.
Head to head:
Match Info:
IPL 2021 Match 31 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Royal Challengers Bangalore
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Team News:
Kolkata Knight Riders: For the better part of the first half of the IPL 2021 season, KKR used Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins and skipper Eoin Morgan as their four overseas picks. Now with Cummins out, KKR have signed Tim Southee. He could come in straight away, but Shakib Al Hasan is also waiting in the ranks. Given his additional batting prowess, KKR might also take a gamble of playing with three spinners.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: RCB has luckily got back most of their players from their starting XI. Tim David might be the one who gets a nod or it can be Wanindu Hasaranga. AB de Villiers, Kyle Jamieson and Glenn Maxwell are set to be the three overseas picks. Washington Sundar’s absence will be felt but RCB have some quality Indian bowlers to replace him with.
Probable XI:
