IPL 2019: KKR vs RR - Top Player Battles to look out for | Cricket - Hindustan Times
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IPL 2019: KKR vs RR - Top Player Battles to look out for

Apr 25, 2019 02:10 PM IST

IPL 2019 KKR vs RR: Both teams have had an up and down season and the time has come for either outfit to tighten the screws and get their best players to deliver in the business end if the tournament.

Both Rajasthan Royals and Kolkata Knight Riders are at a stage this season where they can’t afford to slip up any more and that is what makes this clash so exciting and intriguing. Both teams have had an up and down season and the time has come for either outfit to tighten the screws and get their best players to deliver in the business end if the tournament.

Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR's) Andre Russell plays a shot against Rajasthan Royals (RR) during the IPL 2015 match between the two sides in Mumbai on May 16. (Pratham Gokhale/HT Photo)(HT Photo)
Kolkata Knight Riders' (KKR's) Andre Russell plays a shot against Rajasthan Royals (RR) during the IPL 2015 match between the two sides in Mumbai on May 16. (Pratham Gokhale/HT Photo)(HT Photo)

Here are the top player battles that could decide the fate of this match tonight

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1) Ajinkya Rahane vs Prasidh Krishna

Ajinkya Rahane made the most of a dropped catch in the match against Delhi Capitals and stroked his way to his second IPL century to send a timely reminder to everyone about his ability to score big in limited overs cricket. Rahane looks more at ease after being relieved of captaincy duties and will look to give the Royals a solid start again. Prasidh Krishna has struggled to pick wickets this year but he did dismiss Rahane earlier this season. Will be great for this youngster to trap the seasoned opener early again.

ALSO READ: KKR predicted XI against Rajasthan Royals - Pressure on Dinesh Karthik, changes expected

2) Steve Smith vs Sunil Narine

The two players who will be expected to hold fort during the middle over with bat and ball respectively. Narine has dismissed Smith once before but it is the Australian who holds the edge in this duel. Smith could be the key for the Royals as they look to create a platform for a late assault, while KKR will expect Narine the spinner to pick the crucial wickets.

3) Andre Russell vs Jofra Archer

Andre Russell’s big-hitting ability had been the key to KKR’s initial success in the tournament and the men in purple would expect the Caribbean superstar to put on another saviour act tonight. In front of the power hitter will be Royals’ biggest weapon, England’s Jofra Archer. Archer’s extra pace and immaculate discipline could be the answer to the ruthlessness of Russell’s big blade.

ALSO READ: Rajasthan Royals predicted XI against KKR: Tactical change expected against Kolkata Knight Riders

4) Nitish Rana vs Shreyas Gopal

This battle of two fairly new stars could turn out to be a crucial one. Shreyas Gopal has been the find of the season for the Royals as he has troubled many batsmen with his wily off-spin. Nitish Rana on the other hand has been a key figure for KKR in the middle-order, making important contributions throughout. The winner of this battle could give their respective teams a big advantage.

5) Dinesh Karthik vs Ben Stokes

Two men who were expected to deliver the goods but have been below par with their performances this season have a chance to make amends. Stokes has been poor with the ball in hand and would like to make a difference in his last outing of the season. Karthik on the other hand has struggled as captain and a good hand with the bat will go a long way in pumping up his morale.

Stay updated with the latest Cricket News, IPL Live Scores, and get exclusive insights with the RCB vs KKR Live Score, IPL 2024 Schedule, match highlights, and more. Explore a comprehensive Cricket Schedule, track the race for the Purple Cap and Orange Cap in IPL 2024, check Virat Kohli performance and stay ahead with all the cricket-related updates on the Hindustan Times website and app.
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