The 2019 Indian Premier League continues this week and on Thursday 25th April we have a potentially great game to look forward to as Kolkata Knight Riders host Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens.
This is an important game for both teams as they look to move up the table and into the top four. Kolkata Knight Riders are current in 6th place with 8 points while the visitors are one place below on 6 points.
A win for either team would keep them in contention for place in the playoffs this season but who will come out on top?
Kolkata Knight Riders Form
Kolkata Knight Riders made a storming start to the 2019 IPL, winning four of their first five matches and seemed on course to make the playoffs. However, they have since been on a terrible run of results which has seen them lose each of their last five games in the competition.
Their most recent defeat came at Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders went down by 9 wickets, having got through only 15 of their allotted 20 overs in the field.
Despite their poor form, Kolkata Knight Riders remain the favourites to win this game at 4/6 with Ladbrokes.
Rajasthan Royals Form
Rajasthan Royals have won only three matches in the Indian Premier League this season and need to improve rapidly if they are to make the top four.
They lost to Delhi Capitals by 6 wickets in their previous game having failed to defend a total of 191 runs, one of the highest first innings totals of the season to date. However, they did win their previous match which was at home against Mumbai Indians but two of their three wins have come on home soil and they have beaten just one team other than Mumbai Indians.
Rajasthan Royals are the outsiders for this game priced at 11/8 with Betfair.
Key Players
There is no doubting the quality of the Kolkata Knight Riders batting line-up. They have some fantastic players at their disposal but some of the decision making in terms of selection has been baffling, with Prasidh Krishna, Kuldeep Yadav, and Robin Uthappa all missing out in the previous game.
One man who has remained a constant threat with bat and ball is Andre Russell. The West Indies international continues to set high standards and can be backed at 11/2 with Ladbrokes to be named man of the match.
Rajasthan Royals will be losing Jofra Archer after this game as he joins up with the England international team and the bowler will want to leave a lasting impression. Archer has 11 wickets in nine matches and could add to his total before leaving the competition.
Archer is 5/2 with William Hill to be the top bowler for this team.