IPL 2021: KKR vs RR Preview – Kolkata’s playoff spot on line against deflated Rajasthan

Kolkata Knight Riders have come from behind and managed to turn around their season dramatically. If they have to make it to the playoffs for the first time in three years, this is their best opportunity. A win against Rajasthan will almost set them up for qualification and after six wins, they would be looking for that itself.

They have already won four out of their six matches in the UAE leg, compared to their performance back home, when they won only two of their seven matches. Rajasthan have a very slim chance of qualification and that chapter begins with them beating KKR, which is not going to be easy. They have won five out of their 13 matches and their qualification scenario involves some maths, which just sums up their season.

Head to head

Match Info 

IPL 2021 Match 54 – Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals

Venue: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah

Time: 7:30 PM IST

Team News:

Kolkata Knight Riders: There are concerns over the selections of Andre Russell and Lockie Ferguson. The pair has returned to training but we can’t say if they will play in the match or not. If they pass the fitness test, they will play or their places will be taken by Shakib Al Hasan and Tim Southee, who did fairly well in the previous match and deserved a place in the XI for their experience and ability to perform. The other two overseas picks will be Eoin Morgan and Sunil Narine, following the same template which KKR has followed through this season.

Rajasthan Royals: Rajasthan made some changes once again and the changes didn’t bring them success. In fact, their loss has once again shown how incomplete they are as a team. The four overseas picks were Glenn Phillips, David Miller, Evin Lewis and Mustafizur Rahman. The last of those players might not retain his spot given his average show in the last few matches. The Indian contingent of Shreyas Gopal and Kuldip Yadav might be retained as they can’t be blamed. Considering the manner in which their management has gone about this tournament, we can’t predict who will come in and go out.

Probable XI