RR vs KKR: Match preview, head-to-head records and pitch report
What's the story
The IPL 2019 is off to a flier, especially for former champions Kolkata Knight Riders.
In match number 21, they are up against fellow former champions Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Sunday.
KKR, which are riding on the brutal streak of Andre Russell, would look to dominate again, while Rajasthan would aim to move above the table.
Here's more.
Latest story
Both teams coming off sensational wins over Bangalore
Considering the outing of these two sides in their previous ties, both of them faced Virat Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore.
As for Rajasthan, they outsmarted them by seven wickets, courtesy Shreyas Gopal's 3/12 and Jos Buttler, who scored 43-ball 59.
KKR, on the other hand, were involved in a thriller as they won by five wickets, thanks to Russell's unbeaten 13-ball 48.
Team news
Rajasthan wary of Russell-Rana, KKR eye Gopal-Buttler
Rajasthan would be looking to contain KKR's deadly batting line-up, especially Chris Lynn, Robin Uthappa, Nitish and most importantly Russell.
Meanwhile, KKR would focus on their bowling, aside from targeting opener Buttler, who has been in lethal form of late.
Further, in focus would be Gopal, who has been doing extremely well with the ball.
Overall, we don't expect changes in the Playing XI.
Head-to-head
An intense battle on the cards
Considering the previous encounters between the sides, it has been an intense rivalry.
In 19 IPL matches to date, both the sides have registered nine wins each.
Out of 16 matches played in India, Rajasthan have won seven, while KKR have won eight.
Five matches have been played in Jaipur, as Rajasthan have pocketed three.
Thus, another acute battle awaits.
Pitch report
Another run feast in Jaipur to rule the night?
The venue has hosted just a match so far in the tournament this year.
The match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) was a run feast, as almost 200 runs were scored in both the innings.
The same can be expected again as the track does favor the batsmen overall.
Therefore, the side winning the toss would definitely look to bat first.
Predicted XI
Here's the predicted XI
RR: Ajinkya Rahane (c), Jos Buttler, Rahul Tripathi, Steven Smith, Ben Stokes, Stuart Binny, Krishnappa Gowtham, Jofra Archer, Shreyas Gopal, Dhawal Kulkarni, Varun Aaron.
KKR: Chris Lynn, Sunil Narine, Robin Uthappa, Nitish, Dinesh Karthik (c), Shubman Gill, Andre Russell, Piyush Chawla, Kuldeep Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, Prasidh Krishna.
Match details
When, where and how to watch?
Match: Rajasthan Royals (RR) vs Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
Venue: Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur.
Time: 8 PM (IST).
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1, 2, Select 1 and other regional channels of Star Sports.
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar.