Kolkata Knight Riders have played like defending champions for most part of the Indian Premier League this year. Their batting has not looked as formidable as it did in 2014, but Gautam Gambhir's consistency has covered a lot of weak areas. His opening partner Robin Uthappa has not been able to replicate his form from the last season and the lower-order, barring sparks of brilliance from Andre Russell and Yusuf Pathan has looked a little dodgy.
But KKR's biggest setback came in the form of another notice on Sunil Narine's action. The West Indian mystery spinner is eligible to play but it's unlikely the team will risk him unless his action has been cleared again. Chances are therefore that Narine won't be played against the Rajasthan Royals. Kolkata still have enough in their bowling resources: Morne Morkel, Umesh Yadav, Johan Botha, Piyush Chawla make for a lethal bowling attack. Narine's absence may not even make much difference because he has been far from his usual.
Rajasthan Royals on the other hand, face a strange situation after starting the season with a bang. They won five matches on-the-trot but the streak came to an end against last year's runners-up Kings XI Punjab. RR were in a great position to win at Motera before a late resurgence by KXIP helped the latter clinch a Super Over win. That was followed by a shock defeat against Royal Challengers Bangalore. The Royals have now slipped to No.2 on the table and a defeat at the Eden Gardens would still keep them there; but a win would see them upstage Chennai Super Kings at the top of the pile. (Rajasthan Royals Coach Upset With Batsmen)
Overcoming KKR at the Eden Gardens is never easy but if any team has the ability to run the Knight Riders close, it is RR. They bat deep: Ajinkya Rahane, Shane Watson, Steve Smith, Karun Nair, Stuart Binny, James Faulkner and Deepak Hooda. That is a dream batting line-up in the IPL.
The Royals also have a strong bowling unit with Tim Southee, Chris Morris, Pravin Tambe and Faulkner sharing the bulk of the responsibilities. Will they click as a unit again and rock KKR in their fortress?
Sunil Narine Available for Selection, Claims Knight Riders' Captain Gambhir
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) skipper Gautam Gambhir on Saturday confirmed that West Indies spinner Sunil Narine, reported for suspected bowling action, will be up for selection against the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in an Indian Premier League (IPL) encounter here on Sunday.
Kolkata Knight Riders Players Shaken by Earthquake
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) players took to Twitter on Saturday to express how they felt just after an earthquake hit Kolkata on Saturday.
Kolkata Knight Riders Don't Lack Batting Firepower, Claims Captain Gautam Gambhir
Skipper Gautam Gambhir on Saturday said the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) do not lack batting firepower and hopes to see a turnaround of fortunes when they meet Rajasthan Royals in the Indian Premier League (IPL) at the Eden Gardens on Sunday.
