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IPL 2019 KKR vs RR preview, where to watch, live streaming: Kolkata seek turnaround against Rajasthan

KKR have suffered five defeats on the trot, exposing their over-reliance on Andre Russell.

Over-reliance on Andre Russell has proved costly for Dinesh Karthik and his team.
IPL 2019 - Match 43 - Preview - Kolkata Knight Riders VS Rajasthan Royals

Kolkata, April 24: His job safe for now, skipper Dinesh Karthik will be praying for a turnaround in the fortunes of a struggling Kolkata Knight Riders, as they meet Rajasthan Royals in an Indian Premier League (IPL) tie at the Eden Gardens here on Thursday (April 25).

KKR have suffered five defeats on the trot, exposing their over-reliance on Andre Russell, and Karthik has copped criticism for not promoting the big-hitting West Indian up the order.

Chosen ahead of the young Rishabh Pant in the World Cup squad in a debatable decision, the Tamil Nadu veteran, who was KKR's leading run-getter last season, is struggling for runs with an average of 16.71 from nine outings.

Facing a must-win situation ahead of the remaining four matches, head coach Jacques Kallis has backed the under-fire skipper to script a 2014-like turnaround when they won their second title with nine wins in a row.

IPL Special Page | Points table

One man show

One man show

Despite Russell's one-man show, the frustration in the team management was palpable when Karthik, along with other under-performing India players, including Kuldeep Yadav, were given a couple of days break following their nine-wicket rout of Sunrisers Hyderabad in their last match.

"I think the guys are frustrated, and we felt they needed a break. DK went home for a day as well. It's about getting the guys refreshed and just trying to be mentally up for the game again," Kallis has said.

Kuldeep a big let down

Kuldeep a big let down

The biggest let down for the team has been its bowling unit, especially the spinners who have lacked sting at the Eden Gardens, something that was its main strength during the title-winning campaigns in 2012 and 2014.

The famed trio of Kuldeep Yadav, Sunil Narine and Piyush Chawla have accounted for just 16 wickets from 10 matches, summing up their misery.

That Kuldeep has got four wickets and was left out in Hyderabad was more worrying as they seek to revive their fortunes against a team they had beaten convincingly in the first leg.

The seam attack too has been ordinary and they may be forced to rejig their bowling attack once again.

Smith in the saddle

Smith in the saddle

Clinging to one spot below KKR at seventh in the eight-team standings, Rajasthan Royals' fate too hangs by the thread.

They showed urgency with Steve Smith replacing Ajinkya Rahane as the captain ahead of their clash against Mumbai Indians.

Rahane back in form

Rahane back in form

The move has clicked and RR were able to bring their campaign back on track beating Mumbai.

Rahane, too, roared back to form with an elegant century, albeit in a losing cause, against Delhi Capitals in their last match.

(With PTI inputs)


Match details

Thursday, April 25

Kolkata Knight Riders vs Rajasthan Royals

8pm at Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Live on Star Sports Network

Live streaming on Hotstar

Live blog on myKhel.com

Story first published: Thursday, April 25, 2019, 13:06 [IST]
Other articles published on Apr 25, 2019