Kolkata Knight Riders come off the back of five successive losses as they take on Rajasthan Royals at home. The Dinesh Karthik-led side has lost each of their last three fixtures at home and appear quite vulnerable even considering the fact that their opposition have had a disastrous campaign so far this year.
Rajasthan Royals have won just three of their 10 matches and despite a change in leadership, they can't seem to completely turn around their fortunes. Kolkata won the last time these two sides met this year and have a distinct advantage at home but recent form does not auger well for them.
Weather and Pitch conditions: Weather is predicted to be pretty clear. Pitch is expected to be lightning quick and good for batting.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Sanju Samson (9 cr)
Samson's season hasn't quite kicked off the way he would have liked after a ton against Sunrisers Hyderabad but, back in the starting XI after an injury, he might be used at No. 4 and will need to ensure he stays and fires. Given the other keeping option - Dinesh Karthik - has been woefully out of form, Samson is a good choice.
Batsman: Steve Smith (9.5 cr)
Slowly but steadily, Smith is rediscovering his form in the IPL and his improving elbow has helped him play more aerial strokes. Since assuming captaincy, Smith has looked a more responsible captain and has also evidently been working on his strike rate. Coming in at No.
Kolkata Knight Riders come off the back of five successive losses as they take on Rajasthan Royals at home. The Dinesh Karthik-led side has lost each of their last three fixtures at home and appear quite vulnerable even considering the fact that their opposition have had a disastrous campaign so far this year.
Rajasthan Royals have won just three of their 10 matches and despite a change in leadership, they can't seem to completely turn around their fortunes. Kolkata won the last time these two sides met this year and have a distinct advantage at home but recent form does not auger well for them.
Weather and Pitch conditions: Weather is predicted to be pretty clear. Pitch is expected to be lightning quick and good for batting.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Sanju Samson (9 cr)
Samson's season hasn't quite kicked off the way he would have liked after a ton against Sunrisers Hyderabad but, back in the starting XI after an injury, he might be used at No. 4 and will need to ensure he stays and fires. Given the other keeping option - Dinesh Karthik - has been woefully out of form, Samson is a good choice.
Batsman: Steve Smith (9.5 cr)
Slowly but steadily, Smith is rediscovering his form in the IPL and his improving elbow has helped him play more aerial strokes. Since assuming captaincy, Smith has looked a more responsible captain and has also evidently been working on his strike rate. Coming in at No. 3, he is a reliable pick.
All-Rounder:Andre Russell (10.5 cr)
This has been Russell's tournament and he has single-handedly carried Kolkata Knight Riders so far. His insane hitting combined with his handy medium pace make him a fantasy favourite and it would be ridiculous to think of a fantasy team without him in this kind of form.
Bowler: Shreyas Gopal (9 cr)
The leg-spinner has been a fantastic player for Rajasthan this season and has run through teams with his variations. His googly, as much as his stock delivery, is a huge threat and Gopal might just be the x-factor Rajasthan needs as they head out to Eden Gardens.
Uncapped Player: Riyan Parag
The impressive Riyan Parag has shown a mature head on his shoulders and has played a handy role for Rajasthan so far. His leg break bowling and useful batting down the order makes him a decent fantasy choice.
Captain: Sunil Narine
Vice-Captain: Andre Russell
Predicted Playing XI:
Rajasthan Royals: Ajinkya Rahane, Sanju Samson, Steve Smith, Ben Stokes, Riyan Parag, Ashton Turner, Stuart Binny, Shreyas Gopal, Jofra Archer, Jaydev Unadkat, Dhawal Kulkarni
Kolkata Knight Riders: Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Shubman Gill, Nitish Rana, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik, Piyush Chawla, KC Cariappa, Harry Gurney, Yarra Prithviraj
