KKR vs RR IPL 2024: Will Jos Buttler & R Ashwin Play For Rajasthan Royals Against Kolkata Knight Riders?

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Rajasthan Royals (RR) will look to extend their lead at the top of the points table when they face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in IPL 2024 match 31 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday (April 16).

The table-toppers RR had a close-shave in their last outing after Shimron Hetmyer's unbeaten cameo helped seal a 3-wicket win over Punjab Kings in Mullanpur last week. The Royals were forced to play the match without the services of two of their key players.

Opener Jos Buttler and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin both missed the match due to injury. While Buttler was not a "100 percent for the game", Ashwin had a "niggle" as announced by the skipper Sanju Samson at the toss.

West Indies batter Rovman Powell took Buttler's spot and Ashwin's place was taken by Tanush Kotian. Chasing 148, Powell made 11 off 5, while Kotian, who is primarily a bowler, opened the innings and scored 24 off 31 balls.

RR will be keen to field a full-strength team against KKR tonight. So, they will look to bring in the likes of Buttler and Ashwin into the playing 11. But are the duo fit enough to return to action? Here is a look at the latest RR team news:

Will Jos Buttler & R Ashwin play for Rajasthan Royals against Kolkata Knight Riders today?

Jos Buttler injury update: The England skipper missed the last match due to a niggle. But is expected to return to the playing 11 in place of Powell or Keshav Maharaj depending on the conditions.

Powell is the most likely player to make way for Buttler as Maharaj has done well with the ball, but the South African left-arm spinner may get dropped if his compatriot Nandre Burger returns to fitness.

R Ashwin injury update: The Indian spinner is also likely to be fit for the match against KKR and will slot into the team, replacing Kotian, who did not bowl vs PBKS. Ashwin will link up with Yuzvendra Chahal and Maharaj to form a spin trio.