RCB vs KKR: Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR) Predicted Playing XI Against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)- IPL 2021 Eliminator 

RCB vs KKR: Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) Predicted Playing XI Against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)- IPL 2021 Eliminator. Kolkata Knight Riders would be proud of the way they have played in the second leg of IPL 2021. Prior to the start of the second leg in UAE, very few people would have given them a chance of reaching the qualifiers.

However, a couple of efficient changes in the playing XI combined with a fearless approach of batting have helped them make a stellar turnaround in their fortunes. At the end of the league stage, Kolkata Knight Riders find themselves at number four position on the points table.

Eoin Morgan and Co. are slated to play the Eliminator clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Monday at Sharjah Cricket Stadium. Here’s a look at our predicted playing XI of Kolkata Knight Riders against RCB.

RCB vs KKR: Kolkata Knight Riders’ (KKR) Predicted Playing XI Against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)- IPL 2021 Eliminator 

Openers: Venkatesh Iyer and Shubman Gill

The addition of Venkatesh Iyer and Shubman Gill’s return to form have been the biggest reasons behind KKR’s success in the second half of IPL 2021. The duo has consistently provided valuable starts at the top of the order. Gill is, in fact, coming into the game on the back of two consecutive half-centuries to his name. Iyer too has proved how capable he is at the top of the order.

The duo stitched a crucial 79-run opening partnership against Rajasthan Royals in the last game. Shubman Gill scored 56 runs off 44 balls in that game, while Venkatesh Iyer scored 38 off 35.

Middle-order: Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik and Eoin Morgan

Rahul Tripathi and Nitish Rana have got the license to just go out in the middle and express themselves. The duo, in the second leg of IPL 2021, has done only that, Tripathi in particular. Both are in exceptional form and have made sure they capitalize on the starts provided by the openers.

Experienced campaigns, Eoin Morgan (13 off 11) and Dinesh Karthik (14 off 11) both remained unbeaten in the last game and that is a positive sign for the franchise. Eoin Morgan scored a four and a six and it would have given him some confidence.

All-rounders: Shakib Al-Hasan/Andre Russell, Sunil Narine

Shakib Al-Hasan hasn’t done anything wrong to lose his place from the playing XI. He has been very effective with the ball. However, if Andre Russell gets fit, then Shakib has to make way for him. Sunil Narine should be retained as the second all-rounder. He went for 30 runs in 4 overs without a wicket in his last game.

Bowlers: Lockie Ferguson, Shivam Mavi and Varun Chakravarthy

Lockie Ferguson made an outstanding return in the last game against Rajasthan Royals. He picked three wickets for just 18 runs in his quota of four overs. Shivam Mavi was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 4 wickets for just 21 runs in 3.1 overs.

In the spin department, Varun Chakravarthy should continue as their first choice player. He has been KKR’s highest wicket-taker for a second consecutive year. In 14 matches, he has managed to pick 16 wickets.