Rajasthan Royals takes on Kolkata Knight Riders in today’s IPL encounter and after a somewhat dull match last night, you’d expect it to be a thrilling one in the best vs best clash. Jos Buttler, Jofra Archer, Pat Cummins, Andre Russell, and Steve Smith are some of the superstars involved in the game and their clash surely makes it a watchable and exciting one. Let’s take a look at three exciting players battle to look forward to in tonight’s game.
In the head-to-head, KKR and RR have an even record with 10 wins each. On current form though, Rajasthan have the upper hand. As KKR look to upset the in-form RR, we look at three-player battles that could decide what has the potential to be a close contest.
Andre Russel vs Sanju Samson (IPL 2020 RR vs KKR Live)
Steve Smith vs Pat Cummins
After a poor show against the Mumbai Indians, Cummins came back very well against SRH, bowling a pacy spell.
Cummins’ tight bowling was one of the key factors behind Sunrisers’ struggling, as he conceded only 19 in his four overs. For KKR to do well against RR, they will have to get the wicket of the in-form Samson early. Being a highly experienced bowler, KKR will really on Cummins to get it done against RR.
KKR opener Shubman Gill is one of the most promising upcoming batsmen in the Indian arena. His talent was on display during the 2018 U-19 World Cup, which India won under the captaincy of Prithvi Shaw. Gill was India’s highest run-scorer in the tournament with 372 runs in six games at an average of 124.
The gifted youngster demonstrated his batting ability in the victory over SRH as well with a fine 70 not out. It was a mature knock that ensured KKR sailed through what could have been a tricky chase.
The challenge for Gill against Jofra Archer will be a completely different one. The RR bowler can bowl real quick, and this has been on display in his short but eventful international career so far. Archer also possesses a very good bouncer with which he has troubled many opponents.
The fiery pacer was not in his element against the KXIP batsmen, who took him on and ended up on top. The fast bowler will be keen to make amends in the game against KKR. Gill, on the other hand, will go into the game with the awareness that Archer can be attacked.