IPL 2022, RCB vs KKR: Preview, stats, and Fantasy XI
The sixth match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 pits Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on Wednesday. The match will take place at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai. RCB head into this game on the back of a five-wicket loss to PBKS. Meanwhile, KKR beat defending champions CSK by six wickets. Here's the complete match preview.
Pitch report, timing and TV listing
It's a batter-friendly venue. The last match at this venue (PBKS vs RCB) recorded scores in excess of 200 in both innings. The dew factor will help the batters significantly in the latter stages of the game. The match will start off at 7:30 PM IST. Viewers can tune into Star Sports Network or live stream the match on the Hotstar app (paid subscription).
Can RCB outclass an aggressive-looking KKR?
Batting-wise, a lot would depend on skipper Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli. The duo looked in sublime touch against CSK, with scores of 88 and 41* respectively Dinesh Karthik, who dispatched a 14-ball 32*, would be raring to ditto his tally against KKR. Pacers Mohammed Siraj and Harshal Patel picked 2/59 and 1/36 respectively. They would be backing themselves to better their show.
KKR would look to build momentum from their last win
Ajinkya Rahane (44) looked in terrific shape among KKR batters. He would be hoping to emulate a similar show in this fixture. Venkatesh Iyer and Nitish Rana would have to level up with the willow. Pacer Umesh Yadav could provide the early inroads. Spinners Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine could be expected to trouble the batters in the middle overs.
Here's the head-to-head record
Two sides have faced each other on 29 occasions. KKR have the upper hand with 16 wins, while RCB have 13 wins to show. Since 2019, RCB have managed to script a 4-3 record in wins over KKR. In their last encounter, RCB had lost to KKR by 4 wickets (Eliminator, 2021). Both sides are yet to lock horns at this venue.
A look at the probable XI of both sides
RCB (probable XI): Faf du Plessis (c), Anuj Rawat, Virat Kohli, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahbaz Ahmed, Wanindu Hasaranga, David Willey, Harshal Patel, Akash Deep, Mohammed Siraj KKR (probable XI): Venkatesh Iyer, Ajinkya Rahane, Shreyas Iyer (c), Nitish Rana, Sam Billings, Andre Russell, Sunil Narine, Sheldon Jackson (wk), Umesh Yadav, Shivam Mavi, Varun Chakravarthy
Who are the key performers?
As per Cricketpedia, Virat Kohli (RCB) can race past the 800-run mark against KKR. He has 774 runs in 26 innings at an average of 36.86. He has slammed one hundred and four fifties. Ajinkya Rahane has hammered 639 runs in 19 innings against RCB at 37.59. Ace spinner Sunil Narine (KKR) has 20 scalps in 16 matches against RCB. He averages 20.60.
Dream11 Fantasy Cricket options
Fantasy XI (Option 1): Dinesh Karthik, Anuj Rawat, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Faf du Plessis, Sunil Narine, Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, Umesh Yadav, Varun Chakravarthy, Harshal Patel Fantasy XI (Option 2): Dinesh Karthik, Sam Billings, Virat Kohli, Ajinkya Rahane, Faf du Plessis, Nitish Rana, Andre Russell, Venkatesh Iyer, Umesh Yadav, Mohammed Siraj, Varun Chakravarthy
