The IPL 2008 champion, Rajasthan Royals were squash by Sunrisers Hyderabad in their season opener, but have since bounced back to pick up a couple of victorious and placed 5th spot. They conquer their first points of the season in a rain-affected encounter against the Delhi Daredevils at home, and followed it up with a dominant performance against Royal Challengers Bangalore. On the other hand, it was Kolkata Knight Riders, who have two wins from four match of this season. Most recently, they demolished the Delhi Daredevils by 71 runs. KKR despite a late innings collapse, but still manage to post mammoth total of 200-9 riding on Andre Russell’s assault of 41 runs of 12 balls, after which their bowlers strangled the visiting Daredevils, eventually bundling them out for 129.
Despite the results, both teams have reason to worry. The Rajasthan Royals will be worried about the form of two of their overseas batsmen; D’Arcy Short, who was expected to light up the tournament, is yet to showcase what he is capable of, while Ben Stokes – the most expensive player at this year’s auction – has an aggregate of 48 runs from three outings. Andre Russell, despite batting at number six and seven, is KKR’s top run-getter this season; on two occasions, the big Jamaican has destroyed the opposition bowling attack single-handedly, and his batting form must delight the KKR team management. The Rajasthan Royals will head to Chennai next to take on the Chennai Super Kings on April 20, while the Kolkata Knight Riders’ next will be their home fixture against Kings XI Punjab, scheduled to be played on April 21.
Head-to-Head
Overall: Matches – 15, Rajasthan Royals won – 9, Kolkata Knight Riders won – 6
