IPL 2020: Match preview of Kolkata Knight Riders Vs Royal Challengers Bangalore

Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), in contrast to the past seasons, has performed well in the 2020 version of the Indian Premier League (IPL). The group, captained by Virat Kohli, sits third in the points table with 6 wins in nine matches.

Royal Challengers Bangalore defeated Steve Smith's Rajasthan Royals (RR) in their last game by seven wickets at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

In their last face-off, RCB whipped the Knights by 82 runs. However, going into the following game, KKR may have the advantage of their better information on the conditions in Abu Dhabi. In the last game, KKR beat the Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Super Over.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch in Abu Dhabi has commonly been a friendly one. Yet, in the last game between RR and CSK, the bowlers had their say. The new ball likewise moved around considerably.

The spinners were difficult to take away too. Chasing should be the main focus going forward. The playing conditions in Abu Dhabi will be challenging. The temperature will be 31 degrees Celsius. The humidity will be in the high-40s.

Playing combinations for both RCB and KKR

Royal Challengers Bangalore likely XI

Virat Kohli (C), AB de Villiers (WK), Devdutt Padikkal, Aaron Finch, Navdeep Saini, Yuzvendra Chahal, Gurkeerat Singh Mann, Washington Sundar, Chris Morris, Shahbaz Ahmed, Isuru Udana.

Kolkata Knight Riders likely XI

Eoin Morgan (C), Dinesh Karthik (WK), Shubman Gill, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Pat Cummins, Lockie Ferguson, Varun Chakravarthy, Shivam Mavi, Kuldeep Yadav.

Likely top performers from both RCB and KKR

Virat Kohli – Royal Challengers Bangalore

Virat Kohli scored just 18 runs in the initial three games at an average of 18. Since that time, the RCB captain has scored 329 runs from six matches at an average of 109.67.

The 31-year-old, in general, has 347 runs at an average and strike-rate of 57.83 and 122.57 separately. In his past game against the Knights, Virat stressed a little and he would need to enhance it.

Lockie Ferguson – Kolkata Knight Riders

Lockie Ferguson made a booming start in his IPL campaign. The New Zealand speedster tore through the SRH batting unit, both in the mandatory 20 overs and Super Over.

His performance likewise earned him the Player of the Match award. It won't be unfair in saying that the speedster will be at the pinnacle of his forces unquestionably. The Challengers need to play the pacer with insight.

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