IPL 2020: Match 28: Royal Challengers Bangalore Vs Kolkata Knight Riders: KKR Predicted XI

Kolkata Knight Riders have snatched two consecutive victories from the jaws of defeat in IPL 2020. Kolkata Knight Riders pulled back Chennai Super Kings and Kings XI Punjab while defending modest targets with the help of the depth in their bowling attack. With four wins from six games, the two-time champions are third on the points table and seem primed to reach the playoffs.

Also Read: IPL 2020 Match 28: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders: RCB Predicted XI

However, they have to get past their next opponents, who are the Royal Challengers Bangalore. Royal Challengers Bangalore have also won four out of their six fixtures in IPL 2020; however, it is because of a superior net run rate that KKR are one spot higher. Hence, the bowlers have to again be on point, especially against the maestro and skipper Virat Kohli. Equally, KKR also need to plug their batting holes that has been off-colour since the last two games.

We take a look at Kolkata Knight Riders’ predicted XI ahead of their IPL 2020 game against RCB:

Rahul Tripathi:

Rahul Tripathi secured the man of the match award against Chennai Super Kings with a 53-ball knock that yielded 81 runs. However, he could manage only a single-figure score against Kings XI Punjab, dismissed after a boundary off Mohammed Shami. However, Tripathi’s aggressive intent at the top has been impressive.

Shubman Gill:

Shubman Gill scored a fifty against Kings XI Punjab after being involved in a terrible mix-up, resulting in Nitish Rana’s departure. Shubman Gill managed 57 runs off 47 deliveries, stitching a partnership of 82 with Dinesh Karthik before adding 49 with Eoin Morgan. Hence, he is developing himself as a vital cog for the Knight Riders.

Nitish Rana:

Nitish Rana has only one fifty so far in six games and is struggling for consistency. Nitish Rana got involved in a horrible mix-up with Shubman Gill that resulted in his run out after scoring only a couple of runs. The southpaw would be keen to craft an impactful knock for his side.

Eoin Morgan (c):

Eoin Morgan appeared in good nick against Kings XI Punjab, before falling for a disappointing 24 from 23 deliveries that contained two fours and a single six. Eoin Morgan might not have a significant score to his name yet; however, has done the required job in almost all the games. Morgan also likely helps Dinesh Karthik in making captaincy decisions, keeping them from losing tight games.

Dinesh Karthik (c&wk):

Dinesh Karthik returned to form against Kings XI Punjab as he cracked a rapid half-century to guide the Knight Riders to a formidable score. Karthik’s 29-ball 58 contained eight fours and two sixes and was dismissed in the final ball of their innings. Hence, a blazing knock would undoubtedly serve him well for the rest of the tournament.

Andre Russell:

Andre Russell has surprisingly fallen flat with the bat so far, having crafted no knocks of note. Kings XI Punjab left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh stuck to bowling a wide delivery to Andre Russell. The Jamaican did get a boundary; however, edged the next delivery behind the stumps for 5. Russell also remains in doubt for the upcoming fixtures after suffering an injury while fielding.

Pat Cummins:

Pat Cummins has drastically improved his style of play since getting hammered for 50 runs in three overs in the first match. Pat Cummins could not strike with the new ball against Kings XI Punjab; however, did not let the opposition off the hook. The 26-year old only gave 29 runs off four overs.

Sunil Narine:

Sunil Narine once again proved his importance with the ball bowled brilliantly against Kings XI Punjab to clinch a two-run victory. In four overs, Sunil Narine gave away only 28 runs and plucked two wickets. However, Narine has been booked for an illegal bowling action following the match but could continue to bowl.

Kamlesh Nagarkoti:

Kamlesh Nagarkoti proved as the most expensive bowler against Kings XI Punjab, conceding 40 runs in three overs. In only three overs, Nagarkoti leaked five boundaries and a six as KL Rahul and Mayank Agarwal milked against him. However, as a fielder, the youngster has done an outstanding job since coming to the side.

Prasidh Krishna:

Prasidh Krishna replaced Shivam Mavi for the game against Kings XI Punjab as Dinesh Karthik felt essential to rotate the fast bowlers. It did seem questionable at the start; however, Prasidh Krishna showed why he got the nod. The speedster claimed three wickets, including the wicket of KL Rahul, to snatch a victory. In four overs, he leaked only 29 runs and three boundaries in those.

Varun Chakravarthy:

Varun Chakravarthy has proved as a handy spinner and more of a wicket-taking bowler for Kolkata Knight Riders. Varun Chakravarthy has also been bowling economically, conceding only 27 runs in four overs without a wicket. For his miserly spells of bowling, he is likely to be retained.

Also Read: IPL 2020: Dinesh Karthik Delivers Worrying Update On Andre Russell’s Injury