Team Updates: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

Rajasthan Royals

RR’s season opener didn’t go as planned, with their bowlers struggling in Hyderabad. However, Guwahati’s pitch should offer more assistance. Sanju Samson, despite a finger injury, is still a major threat with the bat, while Dhruv Jurel and Shubham Dubey showed some middle-order promise. A major decision RR faces is whether to include left-arm spinner Kumar Kartikeya, considering KKR’s recent struggles against spin.

Probable XII: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Sanju Samson, Riyan Parag (c), Nitish Rana, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Shubham Dubey, Jofra Archer, Maheesh Theekshana, Tushar Deshpande, Sandeep Sharma, Fazalhaq Farooqi

Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR was undone by RCB’s spin attack at Eden Gardens, exposing their vulnerability to slower bowlers. Sunil Narine and Ajinkya Rahane looked in good touch, but the lower-middle order crumbled. A batting reshuffle might be on the cards, with Rinku Singh possibly moving up. Anrich Nortje could be an option if fit, adding much-needed firepower to the pace attack.

Probable XII: Quinton de Kock (w), Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane (c), Venkatesh Iyer, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Rinku Singh, Andre Russell, Ramandeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Spencer Johnson/Anrich Nortje, Varun Chakaravarthy, Vaibhav Arora

Players to Watch Out For

Yashasvi Jaiswal (RR)

• IPL 2024 vs KKR: 54 off 35 balls

• Last 5 Matches: 78*, 12, 46, 65, 30

• Key Role: Can single-handedly dismantle KKR’s attack in the powerplay.

Yuzvendra Chahal (RR)

• IPL Wickets vs KKR: 15 wickets in 12 games

• Last Match vs KKR: 3/25

• Key Role: RR’s go-to bowler in the middle overs to choke KKR’s batting lineup.

Sunil Narine (KKR)

• IPL Wickets vs RR: 20 wickets in 16 games

• Last Match vs RR: 1/28

• Key Role: Mystery spin to challenge RR’s aggressive batters.

Rinku Singh (KKR)

• IPL 2024 vs RR: 35 off 20 balls

• Last 5 Matches: 10, 42*, 55, 21, 3

• Key Role: Possible batting promotion; lethal in the death overs.

Pitch Report: Batters’ Paradise or Bowlers’ Nightmare?

The match will be played at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati, a venue with some unpredictability. Historically, spin and change-of-pace deliveries have worked well. No T20s have been played here recently, but two out of three IPL matches at this venue have been won by teams batting first. RR’s bowlers will be relieved after struggling on a flat deck in Hyderabad.

Weather Conditions: Clear Skies or Rain Scare?

It’s going to be a warm evening in Guwahati, with heat and humidity playing a role. No rain is expected, and the conditions might slightly favor spinners in the second innings.

Match Details: Timing & Where to Watch

• Venue: Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati

• Time: 7:30 PM IST | 2:00 PM GMT

• Live Streaming: Available on JioCinema & Star Sports Network

Who Has the Edge? Match Prediction

The head-to-head battle is tied at 14-14, proving how evenly matched these teams are. RR has historically chased well against KKR, with Buttler’s 224-run chase at Eden Gardens still fresh in memory. However, KKR’s batting struggles against spin give RR a slight edge. Expect a tight contest, but RR might just sneak in a win!