IPL 2018: Eliminator 1st, Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals - Statistical Preview

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will host Rajasthan Royals (RR) in the eliminator of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. The Men in Purple had won eight matches in the league stages to seal their playoffs berth.

Dinesh Karthik-led team had finished at the third place in the IPL 2018 points table. Meanwhile, the two-time champions will have home advantage as the match would be played at the iconic Eden Gardens.

On the other hand, Rajasthan Royals (RR) was able to make it to the playoffs after receiving help from other teams. Ajinkya Rahane-led side had won seven matches in the league stage fixtures.

Meanwhile, the inaugural champions will miss out on the services of Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes.

Let’s take a look at some stats which can be achieved during the course of the Eliminator:

145- The flamboyant Knight Riders‘ batsman Robin Uthappa has hit 145 maximums in the IPL. Thus, if Uthappa is able to smash five more sixes, he will reach the landmark of 150.

However, the stylish right-hander hasn’t able to convert his starts into substantial scores.

15- Moreover, KKnight Riders skipper Dinesh Karthik has provided successful finishing touches to his side. Karthik’s cameos have help KKR in winning the matches.

However, Karthik has scored only one fifty in this season as he comes out to bat lower down the order.

Karthik has 15 IPL fifties to his name and if he is able to score one more half-century, he will equal Virender Sehwag (16) record.

391- Rajasthan’s stylish batsman Sanju Samson has scored 391 runs in this season of IPL. This is the best season for Samson as he has never scored this many runs.

If Samson is able to score nine more runs, he will reach the milestone of 400 runs. However, the inaugural champions will definitely want more from their talented batsman.

137: Piyush Chawla has scalped 137 wickets in the IPL folklore. If the leg-spinner is able to take three more wickets, he will enter into the 140-wicket club.

989- Uthappa has scored 989 IPL runs while batting at his home ground of Eden Gardens. The right-hander needs 11 more runs to complete 1,000 runs at the historic venue.

10- Rahane has struggled to get going at Eden. The Royals skipper has only scored 80 runs in eight innings at a poor average of 10.

This is Rahane’s worst performance after playing more than five innings at any particular venue.

The winner of Wednesday’s (May 22) contest between Kolkata Knight Riders and Rajasthan will meet Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the Qualifier two on May 25.