IPL 2021: Match 54 - KKR vs RR : Preview, Playing XI, Pitch Report & Updates

After having lost the game against Punjab Kings (PBKS) previously, for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) the remaining two games turned out to be must-wins to book their spot for the play-offs. The team exuded some great dominance against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the previous game to win the crucial encounter. Their bowlers ran through SRH’s batting lineup and restricted them to a total of just 115 runs.

Heading into this game, the Eoin Morgan side will look to put their ‘A’ game to the table to secure victory and stay in the top four positions. The contributions of KKR’s top order will be important for the side as run-scoring has been challenging on the Sharjah deck. The team has made an impressive comeback in the UAE leg of the IPL and will have their spirits high to finish in the top four.

Rajasthan Royals (RR), on the other hand, was completely outplayed by the five-time champions Mumbai Indians. The contest between the two teams was intriguing as it was a must-win for both sides. Rohit Sharma-led MI emerged triumphant as their bowlers proved lethal in the match. No batter could provide enough resistance for RR as they managed only 90 runs and lost the game by eight wickets.

Pitch Report:

Bowlers are expected to get some good assistance from the surface of Sharjah. Scoring runs has appeared difficult and the batters will have to stay firm on the field and then build on their innings. The teams batting second have enjoyed good success on this pitch.

Playing XI:

Kolkata Knight Riders

Shubman Gill, Venkatesh Iyer, Rahul Tripathi, Nitish Rana, Dinesh Karthik, Eoin Morgan (c), Shakib Al Hasan, Sunil Narine, Tim Southee, Varun Chakravarthy, Shivam Mavi

Rajasthan Royals

Evin Lewis, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson (c), Shivam Dube, Glenn Phillips, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Shreyas Gopal, Chetan Sakariya, Kuldip Yadav, Mustafizur Rahman

Key Players:

Rahul Tripathi

Rahul Tripathi has been one of the important cogs of KKR’s wheel in IPL 2021. On most occasions, he has held the middle order of the side and has chipped in crucial runs for the team. He is a good timer of the ball and has looked in fine touch in the UAE leg of the IPL. In the season so far, the batter has smashed 356 runs.

Sanju Samson

The captain of the side has been impressive in the tournament. He has chipped in 483 runs from 13 matches so far. Rajasthan have had a dismaying outing in IPL 2021 but Samson has been a key player for the side. He will want his team to secure victory in this game and end the campaign on a winning note.