RR vs KKR: Decoding Jos Buttler's performance against Sunil Narine
What's the story
Rajasthan Royals will take on Kolkata Knight Riders in the twelfth match of 2020 IPL.
Notably, RR are the only unbeaten side in the tournament so far.
Meanwhile, Jos Buttler, who made a return in the last match, will aim to boost RR's top-order.
It will be interesting to see how he fares against veteran spinner Sunil Narine.
We analyze his performance against Narine.
Stats
Buttler vs Narine: Stats that matter
Presently, Buttler owns 1,390 runs in the IPL from 46 matches at an average of 34.75.
He also has nine fifties and a strike-rate of 150.10 to his name.
On the other hand, Narine is the eighth-highest wicket-taker, having taken 123 wickets.
So far, Buttler has scored 28 runs off 25 balls against Narine (IPL), while Narine has dismissed him once in five matches.
Data
Third-most runs vs KKR by an active RR player
Buttler is the third-highest run-scorer against Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL among active RR players. He has amassed 184 runs from six matches at an average of 36.80 against them. The tally also comprises a strike-rate of 138.34
IPL 2019
RR vs KKR: IPL 2019
In the previous IPL edition, the contest was even, as both the sides won a game each against each other.
KKR won the first game by eight wickets, chasing 140 in mere 13.5 overs.
While Buttler scored a 34-ball 37, Narine registered score of 47 (25) and bowling figures of 0/22 in the match.
Meanwhile, RR clinched a three-wicket victory the following game.
IPL 2020
IPL 2020: What to expect?
Rajasthan Royals are certainly the favorites ahead of the clash as they have notched up over 200 runs twice in two matches, thus far.
However, Kolkata Knight Riders will also come hard on RR, having won the previous game against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
It remains to be seen if KKR skipper Dinesh Karthik introduces Sunil Narine first up against Buttler and Steve Smith.