KKR vs RCB - RCB Has a better Chance

KOLKATA:

Kolkata Knight riders are now the table toppers and Royal Challengers the last second. But RCB a potential team considered favorites by many before the IPL must be desperate to live up to the standards of team composition. This makes the encounter very special.

A win here could mean a lot to RCB who lost their matches only as they did not click together as a team. It is no less important to KKR who have failed to chase a modest total of 133 against Kochi tuskers. Their middle remains to be tested yet as top order clicked to deliver the goods for them till now. Fast initial wickets against KKR would be very crucial to Bangalore.

For Kolkata it would be interesting to see how Gautam motivates his middle order to perform as that is the only weak link in the team which looks perfect otherwise. A few fielding  lapses need to be corrected.

RCB on the other hand is strengthened with arrival of ex-KKR player Gayle who is available with team as replacement of Dirk Nannes. He would be looking to fire and prove a point to IPL teams for leaving him without a bid in Auction.

With World cup heros Dilshan, Kohli and AB Devilries all in form, RCB batting looks very strong. If talented Pujara can anchor foreword the innings Saurabh Tiwary can fire when needed. Mayank Agarwal who is a gem of talent has been the only batsman who looked uncomfortable barring innings in first game.

Zaheer Khan who would open on a slow track would be crucial for Vetori if he provides some early wickets.

On the other hand Kolkata would desperately want their middle order in Yusuf and Morgan tested ahead of long tournament. However Pathan who encountered an injury while going for catch in KTK game is doubtful to be fit as that day in the match itself he had to use a runner batting at No.7.

Manoj Tiwary is in good touch and would like to show off himself in Eden Gardens which is being more or less half-filled due to the absence of bengal tiger. Kallis who started great in tournament fell early last 2 games. This time its against his Ex- team and it would be interesting to see how he contributes. Bisla who is fine behind stumps is opening for them fine. But Laxmi Ratan shukla also is one more player who has to get going yet.

Though Kolkata have won 3 out of 5 games and RCB have lost 3 in a row both the teams are coming into this match after a loosing game. Wash off of the game vs RR was unlucky for RCB as they would have looked to give a tough fight in that match. I would rate RCB better chances only for having a better batting line up which has at least clicked individually.

Players to look foreward to

Kolkata Knight Riders: Jacques Kallis,, Laxmipathy Balaji, , Brad Haddin,

Royal Challengers Bangalore:  Mayank Agarwal, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Asad Pathan,, Zaheer Khan, Chris Gayle,