RCB vs KKR Match Prediction: Royal Challengers Bangalore will look to win back-to-back games in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season when they play host to Kolkata Knight Riders. The match is scheduled to be played at the iconic M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with the proceedings kicking off at 07:30 PM (IST) on Friday evening. KKR are also high on confidence after winning their opening IPL 2024 encounter against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Garden.
Match Preview:
Virat Kohli reminded everyone in the last game that he remains the face of cricket. Just like LeBron James in NBA. Both athletes might be on the wrong side of age, with their peak years behind them, but the class, and their unfathomable talent make them class apart. Kohli single-handedly guided his beloved Royal Challengers Bangalore to a win they needed desperately as the 2016 runners-up beat Punjab Kings by four wickets.
Kolkata Knight Riders, on the other hand, showed that they are a well-balanced team that can go toe-to-toe with any team. But makes them different is the presence of Andre Russell in the middle-order. With the help of 7 sixes, the 35-year-old smashed his way to 65 runs in just 25 balls. So watch out when he comes out to bat at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
RCB vs KKR Match Details
MA Chidambaram Stadium Pitch Report
With the short boundaries at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, and every grain present on the deck supporting batsmen right through the match, expect batsmen to dominate the bowlers. That said, there will certainly be moments when the bowlers will be like pain in the beck for batsmen.
RCB vs KKR Head-To-Head Record
This is the 33rd meeting between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders. Out of those 32 encounters, the Bangalore side has won 14 times, whereas KKR managing to get 18 wins in head-to-head game against RCB.
Last Meeting Between RCB vs KKR
KKR: 200/5
RCB :179/8
RCB vs KKR Predicted Playing 11:
Royal Challengers Bangalore Predicted Lineup:
Faf du Plessis (c)
Virat Kohli
Rajat Patidar
Glenn Maxwell
Cameron Green
Dinesh Karthik
Anuj Rawat (wk)
Mayank Dagar
Alzarri Joseph
Mohammad Siraj
Yash Dayal
Kolkata Knight Riders Predicted Lineup:
Phil Salt (wk)
Sunil Narine
Venkatesh Iyer
Shreyas Iyer (c)
Nitish Rana
Ramandeep Singh
Rinku Singh
Andre Russell
Mitchell Starc
Harshit Rana
Varun Chakravarthy
Best Batters And Bowlers
RCB Probable highest scorer: Virat Kohli
Kohli was at his ruthless best in the match against Punjab Kings. At times, it seemed as if the King was hitting all the trolling that was circulating on the internet about his form and whether he should be in India’s T20 World Cup Squad or not. That 77-run innings off just 49 ball was a timely reminder who the boss is.
KKR Probable Highest Scorer: Shreyas Iyer
Couldn’t open his account against Sunrisers Hyderabad, but we all know that Iyer has been in terrific form all season. He was one of the standout performers for India in the ODI World Cup. Expect KKR captain to come into his own on this batting friendly pitch.
KKR Probable Best Bowler: Sunil Narine
In a game when every other bowler went for almost 8 runs per over, Sunil Narine carved out figures of 1/19 in four overs. Those was incredibly unbelievable. On a pitch where batsmen dominate, Narine’s four overs could be the difference.
RCB Probable Best Bowler: Mohammed Siraj
Following a wicket-less display in the opening game against Chennai Super Kings, Siraj came roaring back into form and produced figures of 2/26 in four overs. His contribution was critical in limiting Punjab Kings below 180. Expect Siraj to pick at least one wicket here against KKR.
Who Will Win Today’s IPL Match Between RCB vs KKR
It’s a difficult call. Royal Challengers Banglore’s weak link is their bowling, whereas KKR are stocked with some hard hitters. This is certainly a potential banana-skin fixture for the home side. That said, familiarity with conditions, couple with the form of Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis, make the home team our favorite here. We back RCB to win the match.
Disclaimer: The above match prediction is based on the data and instincts of the writer. While picking players for your team, consider the points mentioned above, and make your own wise decision.
